This is off topic, but I know there are some excellent informed sources out
there, so I will ask the indulgence of others while I pose the question:

A lawyer friend of mine is writing an article in response to a Supreme Court
decision:

. . . the Supreme Court in two recent rulings has required that allegations
in civil complaints which are based on circumstantial rather than direct
evidence, and thus depend on an inference to establish the alleged ultimate
fact, must be "plausible" with respect to the inference which is urged. This
standard is different from "reasonable" or "logical." . . . The Supreme
Court did not bother to define "plausible," even with reference to a
dictionary definition, and seems not to have considered the ironic
connotations of the word, which to some (including many lexicographers)
implies "specious" or deceptive or even counterfeit.

Here is his question:

In addition to the OED, is there a recognized best source for etymologies
and historical definitions, particularly in the American idiom?  Do people
write articles on the semantic complexities of particular words, such as
"plausible," and if so, how do you find them?

Any guidance that anyone could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks!
John

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