Also 6–7 Zoylus, 7 Zoilis; also 6–7 anglicized Zoil(e, Zoyl(e. [L., a. Gr. Ζωΐλος. Cf. F. zoïle, It., Sp. zollo.
The supposed relation of Ζωΐλος to ζῆλος ZEAL, which is held to account for the association of the notion of malignancy or envy with this word, is reflected in the following:
1597. J. Payne, Royal Exch., 23. There … resolution to suffer for there bad causes will intice the ignorant … to thinck that there outragiouse zoyle is a sanctified zeale.]
Name of a Greek critic and grammarian (4th century B.C.) famous for his severe criticism of Homer; transf. (with pl. Zoili, Zoiluses), a censorious, malignant, or envious critic. Hence Zoilean, † Zoilitical, Zoilous adjs., characteristic of Zoilus or his criticism; Zoilism, carping criticism like that of Zoilus; Zoilist, an imitator of Zoilus, a carping critic.
1567. J. Sanford, trans. Epictetus, A v b. Carp not ye cankred *Zoiles al, the men Whose labour spente in paynfull toyle hath ben.
1612. R. Sheldon, Serm. at St. Martin’s, 47. Such as are eminent should be careful of their conuersations when they are besieged with such malitious Zoiles.
1846. Worcester cites Richardson for *Zoilean.
1609. N. Morgan, Perf. Horsem., 44. The bitter humor of *Zoilisme and malice.
1682. Sir T. Browne, Chr. Mor., II. § 2. Let not Zoilism or Detraction blast well intended labours.
1753. Gray’s-Inn Jrnl., No. 54. I am convinced of your Endeavours to propqgate the Cause of Zoilizm.
1594. Nashe, Christ’s T., To Rdr. The ploddinger sort of vnlearned *Zoilists about London, exclaim, that it is a puft-up stile.
1658. Franck, Northern Mem. (1694), Pref. p. xxvii. Some prevaricating Zoilist will arraign my Hypothesis.
1716. M. Davies, Athen. Brit., II. 87. Polydore Virgil, Dr. John Cay, with other Zoilists, reported that his Poetical Wit made him so conceited.
a. 1849. H. Coleridge, Ess. (1851), II. 75. The same class of fastidious wits who in France became Zoilists, in England were the stoutest stickers to Homer.
1665. J. Webb, Stone-Heng (1725), 41. Their magnificent Monuments shall come to be controverted by every *Zoilitical Pretender!
1577. Grange, Golden Aphrod., Ep. Ded. A iv b. I thought it good (somwhat to stop a *zoilous mouth) to sette a more cleanly name vpon it, that is, Golden Aphroditis.
1618. M. Baret, Hippon., I. 47. Hee … therefore needeth not be daunted for the taunts of any Zoylous beholders.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, Dict. Hist. & Poet., s.v. Zoilus, Of him, all malicious carpers of other mens wourkes be called *Zoili.
1575. W. Clowes, in J. Banister’s Treat. Chirurg. In praise of Author, Although that Zoylus would him spot, Let him doe what he may.
1580. R. Hitchcock, Pol. Plat, Pref. **ij. To defende my imperfection, against a sorte of Momus secte, and Zoilus bande.
1609. Douland, Ornith. Microl., 76. Zoilisses and Thersitisses.
1636. Prynne, Rem. agst. Ship-money, Ep. Carping Zoilusses, or malignant Momusses whom no men can please.
1818. Lady Morgan, Fl. Macarthy (1819), II. ii. 99. This formidable Zoilus of the Crawley family.
a. 1834. Coleridge, Notes & Lect. (1849), I. 64. How then comes it that not only single Zoili, but whole nations have combined in unhesitating condemnation of our great dramatist?
