Gr. Antiq. [ad. Gr. θεωρικός pertaining to spectacles, f. θεωρία viewing, beholding.] Pertaining to or connected with public spectacles, religious functions, and solemn embassies: applied esp. to a fund provided for these purposes from the public treasury at Athens. (Cf. THEORY2.)
1727–41. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., By the law of Eubulus, it was made a capital crime to pervert the theoric money to any other use; even to employ it in the occasions of war.
1852. Grote, Greece, II. lxxv. IX. 526. The Theoric Board, or Paymasters for the general expenses of public worship and sacrifice.
1884. Q. Rev., Oct., 342. Pericles … by his theoric largesses, helped to swell the city mob of idlers.
