Logic. [L. ergo therefore.] A word used (like Eng. ‘therefore’) to mark the conclusion of a syllogism.
a. 1400[?]. Chester Pl. (Shaks. Soc.), II. 45. Ergo, a kinge thou arte or was.
1503. Hawes, Examp. Virt., v. 52. Ergo my labour was not in vayn.
1562. Cooper, Answ. Priv. Masse (1850), 108. Ergo it ought to remain indifferent.
1625. W. Pemble, Justification (1629), 131. To rebell against the Law is sinne. Ergo, To haue a rebellious inclination is sinne likewise.
1780. Cowper, Lett., 23 June. Ergo (I have reached the conclusion at last) I did not mean to flatter you.
1846. Greener, Sc. Gunnery, 343. ‘Ergo’ says one, if 56lb. ball can be thrown 31/4 miles, certain a 68lb. ball can be thrown further, for ‘weight is power.’
