definitions

cicisbeism

[ chee-chiz-bey-iz-uh m or, older use, si-sis-bee- ]
/ ˌtʃi tʃɪzˈbeɪ ɪz əm or, older use, sɪˈsɪs bi- /
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noun

the social custom of having a cicisbeo, as practiced especially in Italy in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Nearby words

cicero, cicerone, ciceronian, ciceronianism, cichlid, cicisbeism, cicisbeo, ciclopirox olamine, ciclosporin, cid, cid, el

Origin of cicisbeism

From the Italian word cicisbeismo, dating back to 1735–45. See cicisbeo, -ism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cicisbeism

  • And it was not as yet vitiated by the institution of Cicisbeism.

    Renaissance in Italy: Italian Literature|John Addington Symonds

  • She tempts fate when she carries on her gallantries and her Italian cicisbeism under the eyes of Scone Dacres.

    The American Baron|James De Mille

  • This is a kind of Cicisbeism, recognised and regulated by customary law, and sanctioned by a definite ceremony.

    Social Origins and Primal Law|Andrew Lang

  • Cicisbeism is not treated in extenso, as it should be, and I also missed the fragrant name of Sophie Arnould.

    The Merry-Go-Round|Carl Van Vechten