a. and sb. [f. as prec. + -IAN.]
A. adj. Of, belonging to, or characteristic of Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709–84), a celebrated English man of letters and lexicographer; applied esp. to a style of English abounding in words derived or made up from Latin, such as that of Dr. Johnson.
1791. Boswell, Johnson (1831), I. 154. The concluding line is much more Johnsonian than it was afterwards printed.
1866. Miss Mulock, Noble Life, x. 172. In prolix and Johnsonian style.
1886. Ruskin, Præterita, I. xii. 415. Johnsonian symmetry and balance in sentences.
B. sb. A student or admirer of Dr. Johnson.
1887. Athenæum, 25 June, 825/1. Many of its most distinguished members have been as enthusiastic Johnsonians as Dr. Birkbeck Hill.
Hence Johnsonianism, Johnsonian style, or a Johnsonian phrase; Johnsonianly adv., in a Johnsonian style. So also Johnsonism = Johnsonianism; Johnsonize v. trans., to clothe in or imbue with the style or language of Dr. Johnson. (All more or less nonce-wds.)
1791. Boswell, Johnson (1831), I. p. xlii. I have Johnsonised the land; and I trust they will not only talk but think Johnson.
1807. T. Horne, trans. Goede’s Trav. Eng., II. 142. In England, the Johnsonianism is a prevalent disease.
1856. Webster, Johnsonism.
c. 1890. A. Murdoch, Yoshiwara Episode, etc. 78. Pompous, meaningless, and empty Johnsonianisms.
