a. [f. prec.]

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  1.  Pertaining to, or of the nature of, metaphysical or ethical egoism.

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a. 1834.  Coleridge, On Faith, in Lit. Rem., IV. (1839), 434. The thirst and pride of power, despotism, egoistic ambition.

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1839.  Sir W. Hamilton, Discuss. (1852), 193. Of Absolute Idealism only two principal species are possible;… the Theistic and the Egoistic.

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1862.  F. Hall, Hindu Philos. Syst., 18. The egoistic conceit that the soul energizes, enjoys, and suffers, is the foundation of desire, aversion, virtue, [etc.].

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1874.  Sidgwick, Meth. Ethics, i. 9. Egoistic and Universalistic Hedonism.

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  2.  Of feelings, desires, actions: Self-regarding, prompted by self-interest; in bad sense, selfish.

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1840.  Carlyle, Heroes (1858), 255. His very pity will be cowardly, egoistic,—sentimentality, or little better.

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  3.  Given to talk about oneself; = EGOTISTIC.

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1852.  Robertson, Lect. (1858), ii. 170. Among … the egoistic class of first-rate poets, severe justice compels me with pain to place Lord Byron.

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