| • | 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. | 
											
															| • | A treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms
   or commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the Topics of Aristotle. | 
											
															| • | An argument or reason. | 
											
															| • | 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. | 
											
															| • | An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a
   blister, etc. | 
											
															| • | Topical. |