Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PLAUS'I-BLE, a. [s as z. L. plausibilis, from plaudo, to clap hands in token of approbation; W. bloez, an outcry; bloeziaw, to shout; blozest, applause, acclamation; Ir. bladh, blaodh; from the root of Gr. κλειω, L. laus, laudo, Eng. loud.]

1. That may be applauded; that may gain favor or approbation; hence, superficially pleasing; apparently right; specious; popular; as, a plausible argument; a plausible pretext; a plausible doctrine.
2. Using specious arguments or discourse; as, a plausible man.