Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPE'CIOUS, a. [Fr. specieux; It. specioso; Sp. especioso; L. speciosus.]

1. Showy; pleasing to the view. The rest, far greater part, / Will deem in outward rites and specious forms / Religion satisfied. – Milton.
2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just or correct; plausible; appearing well at first view; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument; a specious objection; specious deeds. Temptation is of greater danger, because it is covered with the specious names of good nature, good manners, nobleness of mind, &c.