Metaph. [L. ego I.]
That which is symbolized by the pronoun I; the conscious thinking subject, as opposed to the non-ego or object. Also humorously, for ‘self.’
The pronunciation (ī·go) is now seldom heard in England, though no other is recognized in the 1885 edition of Ogilvie, and in the 1886 edition of Webster. In the derivatives egoism, egotism, etc., the sound (ī), given in the same dictionaries without alternative, is in Eng. use still more rare than in the case of the primary word.
[1789. Cowper, Lett., 6 June. To thee both Ego and all that Ego does is interesting.]
1824. Galt, Rothelan, II. 201. He plainly regarded Ego as one of the most captivating of the human race.
1829. Edin. Rev., L. 200. In every act of consciousness we distinguish a self or ego.
1847. Lewes, Hist. Philos. (1867), II. 514. The Ego is essentially an Activity, consequently free.
1870. Gladstone, Prim. Homer (1878), 142. The harmonious laws of his mind are everywhere visibly at work—but the ego—the mere personality—is nowhere to be traced.
1871. Tyndall, Fragm. Sc. (ed. 6), II. iv. 51. While the Non-ego shifts, the Ego remains the same.
b. Comb. ego-altruistic [the first element really stands for egoistic]: see quot.
1855. H. Spencer, Princ. Psychol., II. VIII. vii. 595. The ego-altruistic sentiments … sentiments which while implying self-gratification, also imply gratification in others.
Hence Ego-hood. nonce-wd. [f. L. ego I + -HOOD.] Individuality, personality.
1873. Brit. Q. Rev., LVII. 79. We must face … the reality of our own ego-hood.
