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cicisbeism

[ chee-chiz-bey-iz-uhm 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.
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Origin of cicisbeism

From the Italian word cicisbeismo, dating back to 1735–45. See cicisbeo, -ism

Words nearby cicisbeism

cicero, cicerone, Ciceronian, Ciceronianism, cichlid, cicisbeism, cicisbeo, ciclosporin, Cid, -cidal, -cide
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cicisbeism in a sentence

  • 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

  • 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

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

    Renaissance in Italy: Italian Literature|John Addington Symonds
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