Argument /(ăr"gū̇*ment)/

Ar·gu·ment

Argument

n.
  1. Proof; evidence. [Obs.]
    There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.
    Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
  2. A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
  3. A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
    The argument is about things, but names.
  4. The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
    You and love are still my argument.
    The abstract or argument of the piece.
    — Jeffrey.
    [Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
  5. Matter for question; business in hand. [Obs.]
    Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
  6. The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction. (Astron.)
  7. The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends. (Math.)

Argument

v. i.
  1. To make an argument; to argue. [Obs.]