proper name. Also 4 Boenarges, Boonerges, 6 Bonarges. [a. Gr. βοανεργές (Mark iii. 17), probably representing Heb. b’nēy regesh (or its Aramaic equivalent), explained as ‘sons of thunder.’] The name given by Christ to the two sons of Zebedee. Hence, often as a sing. (pl. -es, -esses), a loud vociferous preacher or orator.
1382. Wyclif, Mark iii. 17. He putte to hem names Boonerges [1388 Boenarges, Coverd. Bonarges, 1611 Boanerges].
a. 1617. Hieron, Wks., II. 465. The crying out of some Boanerges, some sonne of thunder.
1650. B., Discolliminium, 26. So wise … as to chuse no more Boanerges, but such as are right and true Heliastæ.
1667. H. More, Div. Dial., V. v. (1713), 416. Thunderstruck by the powerful Boanergesses of the Gospel under the last Vial. Ibid. (1680), Apocal. Apoc., 202–3. Those Boanerges’s with the third part of the City, which they thundered over so divided.
1869. R. S. Hawker, Cornish Ballads, 28. Loud laughed the listening surges … You might call them Boanerges From the thunder of their wave.
comb. 1881. Morley, Cobden, II. 371. The politicians who most disliked what one of them called Boanerges-Liberalism.
Hence Boanergism, † Boanergy [see -ISM, -Y3], loud oratory, vociferous denunciation.
1861. Sala, in Temple Bar, III. 25. He turned away from cant, and howling Boanergism.
1778. Fanatic Saints, 23.
| Heart-melting Tones of wheedling Intercession, | |
| Boanergy, on Mobs to make Impression. |
