[f. prec. + -ISM.] Emotional character. Usually in disparaging sense: The habit of morbidly cultivating or of weakly yielding to emotion.
1865. Pall Mall Gaz., 4 Nov., 12/2. Lively emotionalism is … his special characteristic.
1869. Spectator, 17 April, 475/1. Overstrained, and consciously indulged and petted bits of sentimentalism … passing the verge of maudlin emotionalism.
1883. L. Abbott, in Home Mission, Oct., 231. The religion of emotionalism [is] represented by the Negro.
