1. People who use clever but misleading reasoning to justify questionable actions or beliefs; those who practice casuistry.
Usage: Usually used critically or disapprovingly; Plural of casuist
2. Theologians or moral philosophers who resolve ethical dilemmas by applying general principles to specific cases, especially in Catholic moral theology.
Usage: Historical or academic usage; More neutral or technical sense

Examples

• The casuists twisted the contract language to avoid paying what they owed.
• Medieval casuists debated complex questions of conscience and sin.
• Critics accused the politicians of being casuists who rationalized their broken promises.
• The casuists in the debate used technical arguments to dodge the main issue.
• Some casuists argued that a small lie was acceptable if it prevented greater harm.
• The lawyer's casuists reasoning impressed no one on the jury.
• Casuists have long grappled with the ethics of self-defense in moral philosophy.