a. and sb. [ad. Gr. χρηματιστικ-ός of traffic or money-making, also, oracular (see next), f. χρηματίζειν to deal, consult, give a response as an oracle, (in middle voice) to make money, f. χρῆμα, χρήματ- thing needful, money.]
1. adj. Of, pertaining to, or engaged in the acquisition of wealth.
1752. Fielding, Amelia, III. IX. v. 258. I am not the least versed in the Chrematistic Art…. I know not how to get a single Shilling, nor how to keep it in my Pocket, when I have it.
1866. Ferrier, Grk. Philos., I. xii. 352. The chrematistic class, from χρήματα, the Greek for money or wealth, this being the end which they aim at.
1883. H. H. Gibbs, R. Comm. on Prec. Metals, I. 263. Ans. to Qu. 5215. The only thing of importance to our subject is the chrematistic, as opposed to the apolaustic use of land, that is to say, land bought for reproductive profit, as against land bought for enjoyment.
2. sb. usually Chrematistics, the science of the wealth of nations; political economy, or a branch thereof. [Gr. ἡ χρηματιστική (Aristotle).]
1842. Brande, Dict. Sc., 228/2. They [Continental writers] consider political economy as a term more properly applicable to the whole range of subjects which comprise the material welfare of states and citizens, and chrematistics … as merely a branch of it.
1858. Gladstone, Homer, III. 78. The phrase ‘political economy’ … cannot be defended on its merits. The name ‘Chrematistic’ has been devised in its stead.
1885. Pall Mall Gaz., 16 May, 4/2. The public at large will probably not be very much concerned about the quality of his chrematistics.
