Using a dictionary’s limited definition of a term as evidence that term cannot have another meaning, expanded meaning, or even conflicting meaning.
Examples:
- Ken: Do you think gay marriage should be legalized? Paul: Absolutely not! Marriage is defined as the union between a man and a woman—not between two men or two women! Ken: Did you know that in 1828 the dictionary definition of marriage included, “for securing the maintenance and education of children”? Does that mean that all married couples who can’t or choose not to have children aren’t really married? Paul: No, it just means they need to buy updated dictionaries . Ken: As do you.
Synonyms: appeal to the dictionary, victory by definition