Obs. [Formed after Gr. κακοζηλία unhappy imitation or rivalry, κακόζηλον bad affectation or imitation, f. κακόζηλος: see next.]

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  1.  (Also in Gr. or L. form cacozelon, cacozelia): Perverse affectation or imitation, as a fault of style.

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1579.  E. K., Spenser’s Sheph. Cal., Gloss., Rather a fault than a figure … called Cacozelon.

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1589.  Puttenham, Eng. Poesie (Arb.), 258–9. Cacozelia.… We may call fonde affectation … when we affect new words and phrases other then the good speakers and writers in any language, or then custome hath allowed.

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1644.  Bulwer, Chiron., 140. Take heed therefore, that Imitation degenerate into Caco-zeale, and of proving a Left-handed Cicero.

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1721–90.  Bailey, Cacozelia.

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  2.  Perverted or misdirected zeal.

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1608.  S. Hieron, 2nd Pt. Def. Ministers’ Reasons for Refusal of Subscription, 66. Who, from a hote fiery fierce cacozele spare not [etc.].

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  So Cacozealot, Cacozealotry.

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1659.  Gauden, Tears Ch., 62 (D.). Some spitefull Caco-zelots. Ibid., 623. The cacozelotry of some men in our times.

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