phrase. [L. ad to, hominem acc. of homo a man.] A phrase applied to an argument or appeal founded on the preferences or principles of a particular person rather than on abstract truth or logical cogency.
1748. Hartley, Observ. on Man, I. iii. § 2. 359. The Argument here alleged is only one ad hominem.
1787. Bentham, Def. of Usury, viii. 83. This argument ad hominem, as it may be called.
1882. H. Adams, J. Randolph, ii. 30–1. The speech could have been only a solemn defence of states’ rights; an appeal to state pride and fear; an ad hominem attack on Patrick Henry’s consistency, and more or less effective denunciation of federalists in general.
