n.; pl.Elenchs [ L. elenchus, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; 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. [ 1913 Webster ]