[f. AMATEUR + -ISM.] The characteristic practice of an amateur.
1836. Taunton Courier, 20 Jan., 3/2–3. The most remarkable outbreak of amateurism on record was that glorious boy’s MARK SUPPLE, the Irish reporter, who, in a pause of a debate in the House of Commons, during a moment of irrepressible fun and tipsyness, called upon the Speaker for a song.
1844. The Era, 12 May, 12/1. It transpired in the secret circles of amateurism that the Finchley Stag had dared to the encounter of a mile the Baronial Deer, an insult or a challenge to whom never yet went unpunished!
1868. Tomahawk, 5 Dec. Amateurism is the curse of the nineteenth century.
1882. Field, 7 Oct., 506. [Either] to keep within the bounds of honest amateurism, or turn professional.
