Also 7 wittycism. [Coined by Dryden, f. WITTY a., after criticism.] A piece of wit; a witty saying or remark; a smart joke. In earlier use often contemptuous (‘a mean attempt at wit’ J.), or applied esp. to a joke made at another’s expense, a jeer, a witty sarcasm.
1677. Dryden, State Innoc., Apol. Her. Poetry, c 1 b. A mighty Wittycism, (if you will pardon a new word!) but there is some difference between a Laugher and a Critique. Ibid. (1683), Vind. Dk. Guise, 18. For the sake of a silly Witticism.
1683. E. Hooker, Pref. Pordage’s Mystic Div., 15. What shal wee … think of Cramp-words, or Criticisms, Jocs, or Witticisms, Railleries and Drolleries…?
1778. Miss Burney, Evelina, xlix. (1779), II. 161. I had many witticisms to endure from the Branghtons.
1802. Maria Edgeworth, Moral T., Good Fr. Governess (1848), I. 286. Assailed … by a variety of … maternal witticisms upon his uncouth appearance.
1842. H. Rogers, Ess., I. i. 22. The profane heartless witticisms of those with whom nothing is sacred.
1874. Burnand, My Time, xx. At this witticism, there was a burst of laughter.
So Witticize v. intr., to utter witticisms.
1773. Wesley, Wks. (1872), X. 423. It lies therefore upon Mr. Hill to answer Mr. Sellon before he witticizes upon me.
1833. New Monthly Mag., XXXVIII. 489. The subject requires something more than the sketching and witticising talent which characterizes so many of our modern travellers.
1881. Dollar Instit. Mag., Dec., 1. While we warble or witticise.
