Tōp'ic1, n.
n. [Fr. topiques, It. & Lat. topica, Gr. τοπικά.] 1. (Rhet. & Logic.) One of the various general forms of argument to be employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, — denominated by Aristotle τόποι (places), as the places from which arguments may be derived, or to which they are to be referred; also, from the usage of the corresponding word locus by Cicero and Quintilian, a prepared argument, or point of argument, of a sort applicable to a great variety of cases, and a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves with; a commonplace of argument or oratory. (pl.) A treatise on, or 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. Bp. Taylor.
- An argument or reason. “Contumacious persons whom no topics can work upon.” Wilkins.
- 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 one of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.
- [Fr. topique, It. topico. See infra.] (Med.) An external local remedy; a remedy to be applied outwardly to a particular part of the body, as a plaster, a poultice, a blister, and the like.
Topic-folio, a book containing a collection of topics. Milton.