Logic. A mnemonic word designating the fourth mood of the first figure of syllogisms (see quot. 1551).
1551. T. Wilson, Logike, G vij b. In Ferio, the first must be a negatiue vniuersall, the second an affirmatiue particular, the third a negatiue particular.
1589. Pappe with an Hatchet (1844), 38. They bee all in celarent, and dare not shewe their heads, for wee will answere them in ferio and cut their combes.
1702. Farquhar, Inconstant, II. i. Wks. (1892), I. 351. I was seven years at the university, man; nursed up with Barbara, Celarunt, Darii, Ferio, Baralipton.
1864. Bowen, Logic, vii. 199. These [Moods] are named Barbara, Celarent, Darii, and Ferio.
