spurious Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite plausible but false
    specious.
    • a specious claim
    • spurious inferences
  2. adjective satellite born out of wedlock
    bastardly; misbegotten; misbegot.
    • the dominions of both rulers passed away to their spurious or doubtful offspring"- E.A.Freeman
  3. adjective satellite intended to deceive
    unauthentic; inauthentic.
    • a spurious work of art

WordNet

Spu"ri*ous adjective
Etymology
L. spurius.
Definitions
  1. Not proceeding from the true source, or from the source pretended; not genuine; false; adulterate.
  2. Not legitimate; bastard; as, spurious issue. "Her spurious firstborn." Milton. Syn. -- Counterfeit; false; adulterate; supposititious; fictitious; bastard. -- Spu"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Spu"ri*ous*ness, n.

Webster 1913