[f. ZEALOT + -ISM; for the spelling cf. prec. So F. zélotisme.] Action, thought, or feeling characteristic of a zealot; zealotry.
1716. M. Davies, Athen. Brit., III. Suppl. Diss. Drama, 2. His Embassador’s indefatigable Zelotism.
1751. Gray, Lett. to Walpole, 8 Oct., Wks. 1825, II. 165. The folly and cruelty of stiffness and zealotism in religion.
1885. J. F. Smith, trans. Ewald’s Hist. Israel, VII. 615. Zealotism itself did not … cease to ferment in the hearts … of many … adherents of the party.
1888. Doughty, Arabia Deserta, I. 548. I could not altogether escape … the Mohammedan zelotism.
So † Zelotist Obs., a zealot.
1593. G. Harvey, Pierce’s Super., Wks. (Grosart), II. 173. Their feruent, and illuminate Zelotistes.
1608. H. Clapham, Errour Left Hand, 8. I haue sinned much in following blind Zelo[t]ists, setting al on fire with Samsons foxes.
1640. [see SCIOLOUS].
