[f. ULTRA a. + -ISM. So Sw. ultraism, G. ultraismus. Cf. F. ultracisme.] The principles or tenets of one who holds extreme opinions on any question; the fact of holding such opinions.
1821. Han. More, in Roberts, Mem. (1835), IV. 178. I think there is ultraism on both sides of the question.
1842. G. S. Faber, Prov. Lett. (1844), II. 116. The Ultraism of those, who … would fain establish a bundle of Unscripturalities as the catholic doctrine of the primitive Church.
1880. O. Johnson, W. L. Garrison, 32. How foolish to throw away all chances of doing any good by such ultraism!
b. An instance of this.
1824. Medwin, Convers. Byron, II. 5. To the great horror of the former, she soon sported her Ultraisms.
1857. O. Brownson, Convert, Wks. 1822–7, V. 46. My alleged Ultraisms and tendency to run to extremes.
1865. J. H. Newman, in Ward, Life (1912), xxiii. II. 102. I abominate the fierce tyranny which … calls to account everyone who ventures to keep clear of ultra-isms.
