Also 7–8 phanaticism. [f. FANATIC + -ISM.]
† 1. The condition of being, or supposing oneself to be, possessed. Obs.
1711. Shaftesb., Charac. (1737), I. 53. This is what gave occasion to the Name of Fanaticism, as it was us’d by the Antients in its original Sense, for an Apparition transporting the Mind.
2. The tendency to indulge in wild and extravagant notions, esp. in religious matters; excessive enthusiasm, frenzy; an instance, a particular form, of this.
1652. Gaule, Πῦς-μαντία, the Mag-astro-mancer, 133. Were not those the times, to breach and vent their fanaticisms, and impostures with more licentiousness, and impunity?
1685. Baxter, Paraphr. N. T., 1 John i. 6, 7. Is it not Phanaticism to talk of Fellowship with God?
1769. W. Robertson, Chas. V., II. VI. 447. The large infusion of fanaticism mingled with its regulations should be imputed to Loyola its founder.
1813. Scott, Rokeby, VI. xxvii.
| For dark Fanaticism rent | |
| Altar, and screen, and ornament. |
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev., III. III. i. This battle of Mountain and Gironde, and what follows, is the battle of Fanaticisms and Miracles; unsuitable for cause and effect.
1880. Dixon, Royal Windsor, III. xx. 197. A sour fanaticism, which he mistook for piety, led him to discard St. George. All saints, he said, were idols; agents and ministers of the Evil One.
b. In a weaker sense; Eagerness or enthusiasm in any pursuit.
1855. Bain, The Senses and the Intellect, III. iv. § 21. The fanaticism that prompts to endless attempts was found in a surprising degree in Kepler.
