Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Apologetic \A*pol`o*get"ic\, Apologetical \A*pol`o*get"ic*al\,
   a. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to speak in defense of; ? from + ? speech, ?
   to say, to speak. See {Logic}.]
   Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense,
   or by way of apology; regretfully excusing; as, an apologetic
   essay. ``To speak in a subdued and apologetic tone.''
   --Macaulay.