theoric

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /θiːˈɒɹɪk/, /θiːˈɔːɹɪk/

Etymology 1

From Middle English theorike, from Old French theorique, probably from Medieval Latin *theōrica, from Ancient Greek θεωρική (theōrikḗ).

Noun

theoric (plural theorics)

1. (obsolete) Theory, as opposed to practice. [14th–19th c.]
   • 1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:

     So that the art and practic part of life Must be the mistress to this theoric

   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 27, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC:

     We travel into Italie to learne the art of fencing, and practise it at the cost of our lives, before we know it; it were requisite, according to the order of true discipline, we should preferre the theorike before the practike.

   • 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC, partition II, section 2, member 4:

     Jucundus […] confesseth of himself, that he was mightily delighted with these husbandry studies, and took extraordinary pleasure in them: if the theoric or speculation can so much affect, what shall the place and exercise, the practic part, do?

Etymology 2

From Middle English theoryk, from Latin theōricus and Middle French theorique.

Adjective

theoric (comparative more theoric, superlative most theoric)

1. (obsolete) Relating to, or skilled in, theory.
   • 1619, Philip Massinger, Nathan Field, The Fatal Dowry:

     A man but young, / Yet old in judgment, theoric and practic / In all humanity

2. Relating to the Ancient Greek Theorica.

Anagrams

• rotchie, trochei

Interlingua

Adjective

theoric (not comparable)

1. theoretic