Also 9 theodice, -ee. [ad. F. théodicée, the title of a work of Leibnitz (1710), f. Gr. θεό-ς God + δίκη justice.] The, or a, vindication of the divine attributes, esp. justice and holiness, in respect to the existence of evil; a writing, doctrine, or theory intended to ‘justify the ways of God to men.’ Cf. OPTIMISM 1.
1797. D. Stewart, in Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3), XI. 481/2. Metaphysical theology, which Leibnitz and some others call theodicy.
1825. Coleridge, Aids Refl. (1848), I. 120. All the theodices ever framed by human ingenuity, before and since the attempt of the celebrated Leibnitz.
1875. E. White, Life in Christ, V. xxix. (1878), 500. Their theodicy is based on the belief that out of all evil God will bring eternal good.
Hence Theodicean, one who frames or maintains a theodicy.
1873. Morley, Rousseau, I. 322. All things are for the best, said Rousseau and the theodiceans.
