Top"ic (?), n. [F. topiques, pl., L. topica the title of a work of Aristotle, Gr. τοπικα, fr. τοπικος of or for place, concerning τοποι, or commonplaces, fr. τοπος 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. 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. An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc. [Obsoles.]
Wiseman.
© Webster 1913.
Top"ic, a. Topical.
Drayton. Holland.
© Webster 1913. | 
