1. a person who uses clever but misleading reasoning to justify questionable actions or beliefs
Usage: often used critically or disapprovingly
2. a person who specializes in casuistry, the application of general moral principles to specific cases of conscience or conduct
Usage: historical or formal usage; associated with moral theology and philosophy

Examples

• The lawyer was dismissed as a casuist for twisting the contract language to favor his client.
• Medieval casuists debated intricate questions of sin and moral responsibility.
• Critics accused the politician of being a casuist, using technical arguments to avoid accountability.
• The casuist's reasoning seemed logical at first but fell apart under scrutiny.
• Rather than face the truth, he played the casuist and offered elaborate excuses.
• Casuists in the 17th century developed detailed frameworks for resolving ethical dilemmas.