[f. CENTRAL + -ISM.] A centralizing system, centralization.
1837. Calhoun, Wks. (1864), II. 638. The tendency of this Government to centralism is overpowering. Ibid., 650. The tendency of our system to centralism, with its ruinous consequences, can no longer be denied.
1886. Athenæum, 2 Jan., 16. The power of the provinces … destined to put an end to the centralism of the capital.
1870. Daily News, 3 Nov., 6/4. The Alsatians and Lorrainers were conquered while still under the influence of Imperial centralism.
