Also 7–8 Whigism. [f. as prec. + -ISM.] The principles, tenets or methods of the Whigs; moderate or antiquated Liberalism. (Opposed to TORYISM.)
1666[?]. Cal. State Papers, Dom. 1666–7 (1864), 415. Extract of a Scotch letter, by M. L’Estrange; whiggism and treason.
1683. Wood, Life (O. H. S.), III. 6 Sept. To expell Mr. Parkinson from the University for whiggisme.
1702. De Foe, Shortest Way with Dissenters, 15. We can never enjoy a settled uninterrupted Union and Tranquility in this Nation, till the Spirit of Whiggisme, Faction, and Schism is melted down like the Old-Money.
1776. J. Adams, Lett. to Sergeant, 21 July, Wks. 1854, IX. 425. But when persons come to see there is greater danger to their persons and property from toryism than whiggism, the same avarice and pusillanimity will make them whigs.
1813. W. Taylor, in Monthly Rev., LXXII. 275. An account of the Kit-cat club, throws light on the history of Whiggism.
1844. Disraeli, Coningsby, VI. iii. I look upon an Orangeman … as … the only professor and practiser of unadulterated Whiggism.
1844. Punch, VI. 46/1. The velocity with which Lord Brougham turns round from Whiggism to Toryism.
1880. Green, Hist. Eng. People, IV. IX. i. 220. The King [sc. Geo. III.] still called himself a Whig, yet he was reviving a system of absolutism which Whiggism … had long made impossible.
b. (with pl.) A Whiggish principle or tenet.
1830. Gen. P. Thompson, Exerc. (1842), I. 222. The whiggisms that are abroad upon this question of representation.
