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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