A mnemonic word, representing the third mood of the second figure of syllogisms, in which the major premiss is a universal negative, the minor premiss a particular affirmative, and the conclusion a particular negative; the middle term being the predicate of both premisses.
1551. T. Wilson, Logike, H j b. Fes. No true diuine contemneth philosophie. Ti. Some Englishe preachers contemne philosophie. No. Ergo some Englishe preachers are no true diuines.
1837–8. Sir W. Hamilton, Logic, xxii. I. 437. Festino, in the second figure, is thus only Ferio in the first, with its sumption converted.
1893. W. Minto, Logic, 178. Thus Festino is reduced to Ferio.
