a. and sb. [f. Copernicus, Latinized form of Koppernik, name of a celebrated astronomer, a native of Thorn in Prussian Poland (1473–1543) + -AN.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to Copernicus.
Copernican system, theory: the astronomical system or theory propounded by Copernicus (and still held with modifications), according to which the planets, including the earth, move in orbits round the sun as a center (in opposition to older notions, according to which the earth was supposed to be fixed, and the sun and planets to move round it).
1667. Sprat, Hist. Royal Soc., 246–7. A Copernican Sphere, representing the whirling Motion of the Sun, and the Motion of the several Planets.
1837. Penny Cycl., VII. 501. Copernicus … is obliged to introduce a system of epicycles entirely resembling that of Ptolemy…. But … the Copernican epicycles are more successful than the Ptolemaic.
fig. 1889. E. Caird, Kant, I. 213. We should keep in mind this Copernican change of the centre from which the intelligible world is regarded.
B. sb. One who holds the Copernican theory.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., I. iii. 80. The supposition of the eternal Motion of the Heaven or Sun; or if you will, of the Earth, as the Copernicans will have it.
1890. J. Martineau, Seat Authority Relig., II. i. 151. In the present day, Catholics are Copernicans like other people.
Hence Copernicanism, belief in the Copernican theory; the theory itself; so also Copernicize, v. intr. to hold the Copernican theory.
1809–10. Coleridge, Friend (1818), III. 200. How circumstantially … does Kepler demonstrate that Euclid copernicises!
1858. Masson, Milton (1874), I. 39. In the interval between that time and the completion of his Paradise Lost his Copernicanism may have become decided.
1889. Athenæum, 11 May, 595/3. Blaming the action of the Roman authorities in their treatment of Copernicanism and of its aged and illustrious advocate.
