n. [ Gr. skeptiko`s thoughtful, reflective, fr. ske`ptesqai to look carefully or about, to view, consider: cf. L. scepticus, F. sceptique. See Scope. ] [ Written also sceptic. ] 1. One who is yet undecided as to what is true; one who is looking or inquiring for what is true; an inquirer after facts or reasons. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Metaph.) A doubter as to whether any fact or truth can be certainly known; a universal doubter; a Pyrrhonist; hence, in modern usage, occasionally, a person who questions whether any truth or fact can be established on philosophical grounds; sometimes, a critical inquirer, in opposition to a dogmatist. [ 1913 Webster ]

All this criticism [ of Hume ] proceeds upon the erroneous hypothesis that he was a dogmatist. He was a skeptic; that is, he accepted the principles asserted by the prevailing dogmatism: and only showed that such and such conclusions were, on these principles, inevitable. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Theol.) A person who doubts the existence and perfections of God, or the truth of revelation; one who disbelieves the divine origin of the Christian religion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Suffer not your faith to be shaken by the sophistries of skeptics. S. Clarke. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ This word and its derivatives are often written with c instead of k in the first syllable, -- sceptic, sceptical, scepticism, etc. Dr. Johnson, struck with the extraordinary irregularity of giving c its hard sound before e, altered the spelling, and his example has been followed by most of the lexicographers who have succeeded him; yet the prevalent practice among English writers and printers is in favor of the other mode. In the United States this practice is reversed, a large and increasing majority of educated persons preferring the orthography which is most in accordance with etymology and analogy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Infidel; unbeliever; doubter. -- See Infidel. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ Written also sceptic, sceptical. ] 1. Of or pertaining to a sceptic or skepticism; characterized by skepticism; hesitating to admit the certainly of doctrines or principles; doubting of everything. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Theol.) Doubting or denying the truth of revelation, or the sacred Scriptures. [ 1913 Webster ]

The skeptical system subverts the whole foundation of morals. R. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Skep"tac*al*ly, adv. -- Skep"tic*al*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. scepticisme. ] [ Written also scepticism. ] 1. An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty. [ 1913 Webster ]

That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and confusion, which is the result of skepticism. Hune. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Metaph.) The doctrine that no fact or principle can be certainly known; the tenet that all knowledge is uncertain; Pyrrohonism; universal doubt; the position that no fact or truth, however worthy of confidence, can be established on philosophical grounds; critical investigation or inquiry, as opposed to the positive assumption or assertion of certain principles. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Theol.) A doubting of the truth of revelation, or a denial of the divine origin of the Christian religion, or of the being, perfections, or truth of God. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let no . . . secret skepticism lead any one to doubt whether this blessed prospect will be realized. S. Miller. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To doubt; to pretend to doubt of everything. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To skepticize, where no one else will . . . hesitate. Shaftesbury. [ 1913 Webster ]