Jesuitical adjective. [dʒɛzjʊ'ɪtɪk(ǝ)l] In sense 2 also jesuitical. E17.
[from JESUIT + -ICAL.]
1. Of or pertaining to the Jesuits. E17.

2. Having the character once ascribed to the Jesuits; deceitful, dissembling; practising equivocation or mental reservation. Also, hair-splitting, oversubtle. E17.
■ M. Hastings People only call a man Jesuitical when they are beaten in an argument.

► See note s.v. JESUIT.

■ Jesuitic adjective (now rare) = JESUITICAL M17.

■ Jesuitically adverb E17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲