Empiric \Em*pir"ic\, Empirical \Em*pir"ic*al\, a.

1. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments. [1913 Webster]

In philosophical language, the term empirical means simply what belongs to or is the product of experience or observation. --Sir W. Hamilton. [1913 Webster]

The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship. --H. Spencer. [1913 Webster]

2. Depending upon experience or observation alone, without due regard to science and theory; -- said especially of medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and deep insight; as, empiric skill, remedies. [1913 Webster]

Empirical formula. (Chem.) See under Formula.

Syn: See Transcendental. [1913 Webster]

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

Empiric \Em*pir"ic\ (?; 277), n. [L. empiricus an empiric, Gr. ? experienced, equiv. to ?; ? in + ? a trial, experiment; akin to ? ford, way, and E. fare: cf. F. empirique. See In, and Fare.]

1. One who follows an empirical method; one who relies upon practical experience. [1913 Webster]

2. One who confines himself to applying the results of mere experience or his own observation; especially, in medicine, one who deviates from the rules of science and regular practice; an ignorant and unlicensed pretender; a quack; a charlatan. [1913 Webster]

Among the Greek physicians, those who founded their practice on experience called themselves empirics. --Krauth-Fleming. [1913 Webster]

Swallow down opinions as silly people do empirics' pills. --Locke. Empiric

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

empiric adj
1: relying on medical quackery; "empiric treatment" [syn: empirical]
2: derived from experiment and observation rather than theory; "an empirical basis for an ethical theory"; "empirical laws"; "empirical data"; "an empirical treatment of a disease about which little is known" [syn: empirical] [ant: theoretical]

Source: WordNet (r) 2.0
 

Empiric \Em*pir"ic\ (?; 277), n. [L. empiricus an empiric, Gr. ? experienced, equiv. to ?; ? in + ? a trial, experiment; akin to ? ford, way, and E. fare: cf. F. empirique. See In, and Fare.]

1. One who follows an empirical method; one who relies upon practical experience.

2. One who confines himself to applying the results of mere experience or his own observation; especially, in medicine, one who deviates from the rules of science and regular practice; an ignorant and unlicensed pretender; a quack; a charlatan.

Among the Greek physicians, those who founded their practice on experience called themselves empirics. --Krauth-Fleming.

Swallow down opinions as silly people do empirics' pills. --Locke.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Empiric \Em*pir"ic\, Empirical \Em*pir"ic*al\, a.

1. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.

In philosophical language, the term empirical means simply what belongs to or is the product of experience or observation. --Sir W. Hamilton.

The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship. --H. Spencer.

2. Depending upon experience or observation alone, without due regard to science and theory; -- said especially of medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and deep insight; as, empiric skill, remedies.

Empirical formula. (Chem.) See under Formula.

Syn: See Transcendental.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)