Specious \Spe"cious\, a. [L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. sp['e]coeux. See Species.]

1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.

Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye. --Bp. Richardson.

The rest, far greater part, Will deem in outward rites and specious forms Religion satisfied. --Milton.

2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.

Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property. --Macaulay.

In consequence of their greater command of specious expression. --J. Morley.

Syn: Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See Plausible. -- Spe"xious*ly, adv. -- Spe"cious*ness, n.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)