[f. CONTINENTAL a. 2 + -ISM.] An expression, opinion, procedure, etc., characteristic of the Continent (of Europe). (Cf. provincialism.)
1839. (Dec. 30) in Freeman’s Jrnl., 2 Jan. (1840), 3/3. There is as yet, thank Heaven, no Liberalism in this country [Ireland], nor is there any contest between the priests and the people. May Heaven preserve us from such continentalisms.
1847. Weekly National Intelligencer, 3 July, 4/2. We might multiply, almost without end, such enormous contrasts of Mr. Polk’s continentalism with that form which he pretends to derive it: but for what use?
1854. Notes for Biog. W. Law, 684. This original should be followed as at first written … expunging the continentalisms.
1888. Daily News, 15 Nov., 3. Police superintendents denouncing as ‘pernicious doctrines’ opinions held by people of this country. That was continentalism with a vengeance.
