Ignoratio elenchi
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Black's (1891)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
A misunderstanding of the question. See Wythe (Va.), 302.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Lat. A term of logic, sometimes applied to pleadings and to arguments on appeal, which signifies a mistake of the question, that is, the mistake of one who, failing to discern the real question which he is to meet and answer, addresses his allegations or arguments to a collateral matter or something beside the point See Case upon the Statute for Distribution, Wythe (Va.) 309.
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
Lat. In logic. An overlooking of the adversary'’s counter-position in an argument. Ignoratis terminis artis, ignoratur et ars. Where the terms of an art are unknown, the art itself is unknown also. Co. Litt. 2a.