a. [ L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. spécoeux. See Species. ] 1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy. [ 1913 Webster ] Some [ serpents ] specious and beautiful to the eye. Bp. Richardson. [ 1913 Webster ] The rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms
Religion satisfied. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument. [ 1913 Webster ] Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] In consequence of their greater command of specious expression. J. Morley. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See Plausible. [ 1913 Webster ] -- Spe"xious*ly adv. -- Spe"cious*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
