theoric

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

theoric (plural theorics)

1. (obsolete) Theory, as opposed to practice. [14th-19th c.]

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)

   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 27, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes, […], book II, printed at London: By Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], OCLC 946730821:

     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.

   • 1621, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy, Oxford: Printed by Iohn Lichfield and Iames Short, for Henry Cripps, OCLC 216894069; The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd corrected and augmented edition, Oxford: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, 1624, OCLC 54573970, 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?

theoric (comparative more theoric, superlative most theoric)

1. (obsolete) Relating to, or skilled in, theory.
   • Massinger

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

2. Relating to the Ancient Greek Theorica.

• rotchie, trochei

theoric (not comparable)

1. theoretic