SKEPTICS
Noun
skeptics
plural of skeptic
Anagrams
• spickest, spickets
Source: Wiktionary
SKEPTIC
Skep"tic, n. Etym: [Gr. skeptiko`s thoughtful, reflective, fr.
ske`ptesqai to look carefully or about, to view, consider: cf. L.
scepticus, F. sceptique. See Scope.] [Written also sceptic.]
1. One who is yet undecided as to what is true; one who is looking or
inquiring for what is true; an inquirer after facts or reasons.
2. (Metaph.)
Definition: A doubter as to whether any fact or truth can be certainly
known; a universal doubter; a Pyrrhonist; hence, in modern usage,
occasionally, a person who questions whether any truth or fact can be
established on philosophical grounds; sometimes, a critical inquirer,
in opposition to a dogmatist.
All this criticism [of Hume] proceeds upon the erroneous hypothesis
that he was a dogmatist. He was a skeptic; that is, he accepted the
principles asserted by the prevailing dogmatism: and only showed that
such and such conclusions were, on these principles, inevitable. Sir
W. Hamilton.
3. (Theol.)
Definition: A person who doubts the existence and perfections of God, or
the truth of revelation; one who disbelieves the divine origin of the
Christian religion.
Suffer not your faith to be shaken by the sophistries of skeptics. S.
Clarke.
Note: This word and its derivatives are often written with c instead
of k in the first syllable, -- sceptic, sceptical, scepticism, etc.
Dr. Johnson, struck with the extraordinary irregularity of giving c
its hard sound before e, altered the spelling, and his example has
been followed by most of the lexicographers who have succeeded him;
yet the prevalent practice among English writers and printers is in
favor of the other mode. In the United States this practice is
reversed, a large and increasing majority of educated persons
preferring the orthography which is most in accordance with etymology
and analogy.
Syn.
– Infidel; unbeliever; doubter.
– See Infidel.
Skep"tic, Skep"tic*al, a. Etym: [Written also sceptic, sceptical.]
1. Of or pertaining to a sceptic or skepticism; characterized by
skepticism; hesitating to admit the certainly of doctrines or
principles; doubting of everything.
2. (Theol.)
Definition: Doubting or denying the truth of revelation, or the sacred
Scriptures.
The skeptical system subverts the whole foundation of morals. R.
Hall.
– Skep"tac*al*ly, adv.
– Skep"tic*al*ness, n.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition