theoric

• IPA^(key): /θiːˈɒɹɪk/, /θiːˈɔːɹɪk/

From Middle English theorike, 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.]
   • 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?

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

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.

• rotchie, trochei

theoric (not comparable)

1. theoretic