Category:Topic

Top"ic, n. Etym: [f. topiques, pl., L. topica the title of a work of Aristotle, gr. topika`, fr. topiko`s of or for place, concerning To`poi, or commonplaces, fr. to`pos a place.] (a) one of the various general forms of argument employed in probable As distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, -- denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources From which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be Referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great Variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and Orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory. (b) pl.

Defn: a treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms or Commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the topics of aristotle. These topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to A great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to Consult. Blair. In this question by [reason] i do not mean a distinct topic, but a Transcendent that runs through all topics. Jer. Taylor.

2. An argument or reason. [obs.] Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom No topics can work upon. Bp. Wilkins.

3. The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, Or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the Whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of Thought; a matter; a point; a head.

4. (med.)

Defn: an external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a Blister, etc. [obsoles.] Wiseman.

Topic Top"ic, a.

Defn: topical. Drayton. Holland.