phil's

v. i. [ L. philosophatus, p. p. of philosophari to philosophize. ] To play the philosopher; to moralize. [ Obs. ] Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Philosophical speculation and discussion. [ Obs. ] Sir W. Petty. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., a philosopher. ] A philosophaster; a philosopher. [ R. ] Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. filoso`fhma, from filosofei^n to love knowledge. ] A philosophical proposition, doctrine, or principle of reasoning. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

This, the most venerable, and perhaps the most ancient, of Grecian myths, is a philosopheme. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. philosophre, F. philosophe, L. philosophus, Gr. filo`sofos; fi`los loving + sofo`s wise. Cf. Philosophy. ] 1. One who philosophizes; one versed in, or devoted to, philosophy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. Acts xvii. 18. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who reduces the principles of philosophy to practice in the conduct of life; one who lives according to the rules of practical wisdom; one who meets or regards all vicissitudes with calmness. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An alchemist. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Philosopher's stone, an imaginary stone which the alchemists formerly sought as the instrument of converting the baser metals into gold. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ L. philosophicus: cf. F. philosophique. ] Of or pertaining to philosophy; versed in, or imbued with, the principles of philosophy; hence, characterizing a philosopher; rational; wise; temperate; calm; cool. -- Phil`o*soph"ic*al*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

n. [ Cf. F. philosophisme. ] Spurious philosophy; the love or practice of sophistry. Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. philosophiste. ] A pretender in philosophy. [ 1913 Webster ]