a. and sb. [f. Linnæ-us (see prec.) + -AN. (The spelling Linnæan is the more common, though the Linnæan Society adopts the other form.)] A. adj. Of or pertaining to Linnæus or his system; given or instituted by Linnæus; adhering to the system of Linnæus.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v. Botany Tab. 1 Characters of the Classes in the Linnæan System.
1759. B. Stillingfl., Calendar Flora, Pref., Misc. Tracts (1762), 243. I have retained the Linnæan names of every plant, and animal in the Swedish Calendar.
1807. J. E. Smith, Phys. Bot., 49. The Linnæan genera of Mosses are chiefly founded on the situation of the capsule.
1864. Bowen, Logic, x. 343. The Linnaean Classification of plants.
B. sb. A follower of Linnæus; one who adopts his system.
1772. Barrington, in Phil. Trans., LXII. 300. If … a bird, which is supposed to migrate in the winter, passes almost under the nose of a Linnæan, he pays but little attention to it, because he cannot examine the beak.
Hence Linnæanism, the doctrines and practice of Linnæus, or of his school.
1831. Blackw. Mag., XXX. 9. Nobody beyond the barriers of Linnaeanism could ever dream of designating any of these … a natural history.
