adv. (common).—Therefore; ergo: of which it is a corruption. As subs. = a clumsy argument. See ARGLE.

1

  1602.  SHAKESPEARE, Hamlet, v. 1. 21. He drowns not himself: ARGAL, he that is not guilty of his own death shortens not his own life.

2

  d. 1535.  MORE, 24 [Works, folio 1557], s.v.

3

  d. 1627.  MIDDLETON, [Works (DYCE), i. 392], s.v.

4

  1861.  Times, 23 Aug. Mr. Buckle’s argument … as absurd an ARGAL as ever was invented.

5

  1871.  J. MORLEY, Critical Miscellanies, 152. We should not be beaten if we did not deserve it, ARGAL, suffering is a merited punishment.

6