[f. as prec. + -ISM.] a. The practice of writing essays. b. The quality that constitutes an ‘essay.’
1821. New Monthly Mag., II. 301. Cant is the epidemic of periodical essayism. Ibid. (1822), V. 141. My talents … were … frittered in periodical writing and common-place essayism.
1887. Sat. Rev., 24 Sept., 412. That mysterious literary essence known as essayism which pervades all literature.
¶ About 1862 occas. used for: The theological doctrines taught in the book called Essays and Reviews.
1862. Lit. Churchm., VIII. 4/1. A medium between Essayism and Evangelicism. Ibid., 458/1. If Essayism has been effectually rebuked.
