metaphysic

Etymology 1

From Latin metaphysicus.

adj

1. (philosophy, archaic) Metaphysical.
   Bring sweet philosophy along, In metaphysic dreams. c. 1720, Jonathan Swift, "Ode on Science," lines 32-33

Etymology 2

From Middle English methaphesik, methaphisik, methaphisique, metaphesyk, methafisik, metaphesyk, methephysyk, from Old French metafisique, methaphisique and Medieval Latin metaphysica, methephisica; equivalent to meta- + physic.

noun

1. (philosophy, uncountable, archaic) The field of study of metaphysics.
   With reference to general Philosophy or Metaphysic proper, psychology may be viewed as a kind of common ground whereon thinkers of widely different schools may meet. 1876, Editor, "Prefatory Words," Mind, vol. 1, no. 1, p. 5
2. (philosophy, countable) The metaphysical system of a particular philosopher or of a particular school of thought.
   The uncertain conclusions of an ill-conducted analogy, and a false metaphysic, were mixed with a few simple precepts derived from observation, which probably made the whole of the science of prognostication in its earliest and purest state. 1775, Samuel Horsley, “An Abridged State of the Weather at London in the Year 1774,”, in Philosophical Transactions (1683-1775), volume 65, page 182
   It should be pointed out to the prospective reader that he will not find here the systematic presentation of a metaphysic. 1954, Frederick C. Copleston, “Review of Metaphysical Journal by Gabriel Marcel”, in Philosophy, volume 29, number 109, page 170
   A Neoplatonic metaphysic is the flip side of mysticism. 2003, Christine Helmer, “Mysticism and Metaphysics”, in The Journal of Religion, volume 83, number 4, page 521
3. (philosophy, countable) A fundamental principle or key concept.
   What we need as a metaphysic and what the logical realists are at least glimpsing, is the principle of contradiction. 1927, Charles M. Perry, “A Principle for Realism”, in The Journal of Philosophy, volume 24, number 20, page 537