Perhaps an Americanism; but see the 1801 quotation.
1801. I would fairly see it out, and witness the whole bederation.—Southey, ‘Life,’ ii. 138. (N.E.D.)
1806. A writer in the Enquirer, with much humour, recommends to the third party of Virginia, to adopt the term botherism, instead of moderism (sic). He says, when the party is spoken of collectively, they may be called the botherists—and when their works and operations are alluded to, nothing would be more proper than—botheration!—The Balance, Jan. 14, p. 11/3. (Italics in the original.)
