[plau.si.ble] adj [L plausibilis worthy of applause, fr. plausus, pp. of plaudere] (1565) 1: superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious "a ~ pretext"
2: superficially pleasing or persuasive "a swindler ... , then a quack, then a smooth, ~ gentleman --R. W. Emerson"
3: appearing worthy of belief "the argument was both powerful and ~" -- plau.si.ble.ness n -- plau.si.bly adv