PLAUS'IBLE, adjective s as z. [Latin plausibilis, from plaudo, to clap hands in token of approbation; 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.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI