a. [f. the name of the satirist Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) + -IAN.] Pertaining to or characteristic of Swift or his works. Hence Swiftianism, a piece of writing or an expression characteristic of Swift.
1762. Bp. Forbes, Jrnl. (1886), 181. Struan was greatly of the Swiftian Taste.
1826. Scott, Jrnl., 21 March. Joseph Hume, indeed!—I say Joseph Hum—and could add a Swiftian rhyme, but forbear. Ibid. (1826), Diary, 15 April. So hey for a Swiftianism.
1862. Trewman’s Exeter Flying Post, 14 May, 9/2. Dr. Hastings professes to have made the discovery that excreta of serpents—a remedy that savours of a Swiftian origin—is a cure for consumption.
1895. Sir J. Skelton, Table Talk of Shirley, 122. This … sardonic Timon held aloof from his fellows, and regarded them with tacit or even Swiftian disapprobation.
