ARGUMENT

argument. Argument, n. reason alleged to induce belief, series of inferences, subject of discourse, debate, a summary of contents

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Ar″gu‐ment (�), n. [[F. argument, L. argumentum, fr. arguere to argue.]] 1. 1. Proof; evidence.
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity. Ray. 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? South. 2. 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. 3. A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names. Locke. 4. 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. Shak. The abstract or argument of the piece. Jeffrey. with boastful argument portrayed. Milton. 5. 5. Matter for question; business in hand.
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument. Shak. 6. 6. (Astron.) The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
7. 7. (Math.) The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends. Brande & C.