v. [f. as next + -IZE: cf. DICHOTOMIZE.] trans. To divide into three parts; to arrange or classify in three divisions, or in groups of three. Also absol. Hence Trichotomist2, one who trichotomizes or practises trichotomy.
1651. Fuller’s Abel Rediv., Colet (1867), I. 121. The latter [sayings, etc.] he intended to trichotomize, or reduce unto ternaries.
1681. Baxter, Councels Yng. Men Catal., *j. Shewing that Trinity in Unity is imprinted on the whole Creation, and that Trichotomising is the just distribution in Naturals and Morals.
1846. T. W. Jenkyn, Baxter’s Wks., Pref. Ess., p. l. The method which Baxter adopted for systematizing the doctrines of theology may be called Triadism, or what he himself calls ‘Trichotomizing.’
