E*lench" (?), n.; pl. Elenchs (#). [L. elenchus, Gr. , fr. to convict, confute, prove: cf. OF. elenche.] Logic (a)

That part of an argument on which its conclusiveness depends; that which convinces of refutes an antagonist; a refutation.

(b)

A specious but fallacious argument; a sophism.

 

© Webster 1913.