one of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, -- denominated by aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.-a treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms or commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the topics of aristotle.-an argument or reason.-the subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.-an external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc.-topical.