Pronunciation: di-kay-o-lo'-gi-a
Alternate Spelling: Gk. “a plea in defense”
Latin Synonyms: figure of excuse
Admitting what's charged against one, but excusing it by necessity.
At the start of 3 Henry VI, the King, making a political compromise, has designated York, rather than his son, to be his heir. When pressed about it by the queen and the prince, he employs dicaeologia in response: Prince. Father, you cannot disinherit me. If you be king, why should not I succeed? King Henry Pardon me, Margaret, pardon me, sweet son, The Earl of Warwick and the Duke enforc'd me.