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devil's advocate

  1. R.C.Ch. an official selected to examine the facts critically and raise objections in the case of a dead person named for beatification or canonization
  2. a person who upholds what is regarded as the wrong side or an indefensible cause, perversely or for argument's sake

Origin: transl. of ML advocatus diaboli

See devil's advocate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. One who argues against a cause or position, not as a committed opponent but simply for the sake of argument or to determine the validity of the cause or position.
  2. Roman Catholic Church An official appointed to present arguments against a proposed canonization or beatification.

Origin:

Origin: Translation of Medieval Latin advocātus diabolī, one arguing for the devil's plea against canonizing a saint

Origin: : Latin advocātus, advocate

Origin: + Late Latin diabolī

Origin: , genitive of diabolus, devil

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© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.