Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Empiric \Em*pir"ic\, Empirical \Em*pir"ic*al\, a.
   1. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience;
      depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in
      experiments.

            In philosophical language, the term empirical means
            simply what belongs to or is the product of
            experience or observation.            --Sir W.
                                                  Hamilton.

            The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by
            empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship. --H.
                                                  Spencer.

   2. Depending upon experience or observation alone, without
      due regard to science and theory; -- said especially of
      medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and
      deep insight; as, empiric skill, remedies.

   {Empirical formula}. (Chem.) See under {Formula}.

   Syn: See {Transcendental}.

Source : WordNet®

empirical
     adj 1: derived from experiment and observation rather than theory;
            "an empirical basis for an ethical theory"; "empirical
            laws"; "empirical data"; "an empirical treatment of a
            disease about which little is known" [syn: {empiric}]
            [ant: {theoretical}]
     2: relying on medical quackery; "empiric treatment" [syn: {empiric}]