\Spe"cious\, a. [L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful,
specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F.
sp['e]coeux. See {Species}.]
1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or
   look; showy.
         Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye.
                                               --Bp.
                                               Richardson.
         The rest, far greater part, Will deem in outward
         rites and specious forms Religion satisfied.
                                               --Milton.
2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct,
   but not so in reality; appearing well at first view;
   plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.
         Misled for a moment by the specious names of
         religion, liberty, and property.      --Macaulay.
         In consequence of their greater command of specious
         expression.                           --J. Morley.
Syn: Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See
     {Plausible}. -- {Spe"xious*ly}, adv. --
     {Spe"cious*ness}, n.