casuistry

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English casuist Middle English -re,-ri,-rie,-ry,-rye English -ry English casuistry From casuist + -ry.

1. The process of answering practical questions by means of interpretation of rules, or of cases that illustrate such rules, especially in ethics; case-based reasoning.

   “Cages for Gnats, and Chains to Yoak a Flea; Dry'd Butterflies, and Tomes of Caſuiſtry”

   “The letters of Margarita were all that the fondest lover could desire, the eye of a poet linger on, but they did not contain the casuistry which could lead Glentworth to renounce a faith which he had now been led to examine in a manner he had certainly never done before.”

2. An intricate argument, particularly
3. An intricate argument, particularly

   “I felt it was hopeless to argue against casuistry of this nature, which, if it were carried to its logical conclusion, would absolutely destroy all morality, as we understand it.”

4. An intricate argument, particularly