chop logic

Definitions

1. 1

   Characterized by equivocation or by overly complex or specious argumentation

   Characterized by equivocation or by overly complex or specious argumentation; improperly reasoned.

   • Many of the jokes are far past saving and a good bit of the chop logic word play is tedious word work.
2. 2

   Chopped logic

   Chopped logic: reasoning which is improper; sophistry.

   • Mere chop-logic!—you have nothing to say.
   • How can one explain the hypocrisy, chop logic and outright lying now being mustered daily in defence of hunting with hounds?
3. 3

   A logic chopper

   A logic chopper: one who makes confusing or specious arguments, especially arguments involving equivocation.

   • How now, how now, chop-logic! What is this? 'Proud,' and 'I thank you,' and 'I thank you not;' And yet 'not proud,' mistress minion, you, Thank me no thankings, nor, proud me no prouds, But fettle your fine joints 'gainst Thursday next.
4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To talk back, bandy words

      To talk back, bandy words; to argue generally.

      • Vngracious childe I warrant him, harke how hee chops logicke with his mother
   2. 5

      To argue skillfully, using complex logic or clever reasoning.

      • When the tables are drawn, you shall hold a disputation with him. It will be sport to hear how you chop logic at your Universities yonder.
      • King James delighted to chop logic and theology with the doctors of the university.
      • Throughout, Lynch ably chops logic and tests positions for their fit with the Constitution's text.
   3. 6

      To make an argument which is illogical, especially one which is overly complex or which…

      To make an argument which is illogical, especially one which is overly complex or which improperly uses fine or clever distinctions; to equivocate.

      • If you are going to chop logic and use Latin words, I think it is time for us to leave the room.
      • Varro, as Kent remarks (p. 418, n.f), is by no means logical in every detail; he merely chops logic when he declares that curro lacks the perfect participle.

The neighborhood