GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Skeptic , n. [Gr. σκεπτικός thoughtful, reflective, fr. σκέπτεσθαι to look carefully or about, to view, consider: cf. L. scepticus, F. sceptique. See Scope.] [Written also sceptic.]
   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.
   1913 Webster
   (Metaph.) 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.
   1913 Webster
   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.
   
   1913 Webster
   (Theol.) 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.
   1913 Webster
   Suffer not your faith to be shaken by the sophistries of skeptics.
   S. Clarke.
   
   1913 Webster
   ☞ 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.
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- Infidel; unbeliever; doubter. -- See Infidel.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   { Skeptic , Skeptical , } a. [Written also sceptic, sceptical.]
   Of or pertaining to a sceptic or skepticism; characterized by skepticism; hesitating to admit the certainly of doctrines or principles; doubting of everything.
   1913 Webster
   (Theol.) Doubting or denying the truth of revelation, or the sacred Scriptures.
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   The skeptical system subverts the whole foundation of morals.
   R. Hall.
   
   1913 Webster
   -- Skep"tac*al*ly, adv. -- Skep"tic*al*ness, n.
   1913 Webster