(n.) One of the various general forms of argument employed in
probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, -- denominated
by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources
from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred;
also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of
cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators
provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.
(n.) A treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms
or commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the Topics of Aristotle.
(n.) An argument or reason.
(n.) The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or
argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of
the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of
thought; a matter; a point; a head.
(n.) An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a
blister, etc.
(a.) Topical.
