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argumentum baculinum; argumentum baculum
An appeal to force.

This has long been a popular and effecive form of persuasion. The force is suggested by wielding a walking stick (baculum), but a baculum was also the scepter that symbolized magisterial authority, so the force implied may also be that of governmental authority or legal compulsion.

An argument with a cane; the appeal to the use of force in a debate.

This entry is located in the following unit: Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group A (page 19)