1. plural of casuistry; the use of clever but misleading reasoning to justify something morally questionable
Usage: usually pejorative; formal
2. plural of casuistry; the application of general ethical principles to specific cases, especially in theology and moral philosophy
Usage: technical; historical

Examples

• The politician's casuistries about the budget cuts fooled no one.
• His casuistries allowed him to justify actions that contradicted his stated principles.
• Medieval theologians engaged in elaborate casuistries to resolve moral dilemmas.
• The lawyer's casuistries twisted the facts to support her client's defense.
• Such casuistries undermine public trust in institutions.
• The committee's casuistries could not hide the fundamental unfairness of the decision.