Definition of: syllogism

(sil′ə·jiz′əm) noun
1. Logic a A formula of argument consisting of three propositions. The first two propositions, called premises, have one term in common furnishing a logical connection between the two other terms, which are then linked in the third proposition, called the conclusion. Example: All men are mortal (major premise); kings are men (minor premise); therefore, kings are mortal (conclusion). In this example, the major term is “mortal,” the minor term is “kings,” and the middle term is “men.” b Deductive reasoning.
2. A subtle or crafty argument. [<OF silogime <L syllogismus <Gk. syllogismos <syllogizesthai SYLLOGIZE]