Gothicism

American  

[goth-uh-siz-uhm] / ˈgɒθ əˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. conformity or devotion to the gothic style in the arts.

2. the principles and techniques of the gothic style.

3. (sometimes lowercase) barbarism; crudeness.

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Gothicism British  

/ ˈɡɒθɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. conformity to, use of, or imitation of the Gothic style, esp in architecture

2. crudeness of manner or style

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Etymology

Origin of Gothicism

First recorded in 1700–10; Gothic ( def. ) + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Gothicism

And, "Gothicism, whatever it is, is not a literary tradition so much as a fairly realistic assessment of modern life."

From Time Magazine Archive

The feudalist affectations of Chateaubriand and the legitimists excited a sort of aesthetic affection for Gothicism, and Walter Scott became one of the most favourite authors in France.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 2 "French Literature" to "Frost, William" by Various

Accordingly we find, on turning to "The Castle of Otranto," that, just as Walpole's Gothicism was an accidental "sport" from his general virtuosity; so his romanticism was a casual outgrowth of his architectural amusements.

From A History of English Romanticism in the Eighteenth Century by Beers, Henry A. (Henry Augustin)

At such a moment it was matter for little surprise that ardent young intellects should go back for inspiration to the Gothicism of Giotto and the early painters.

From Recollections of Dante Gabriel Rossetti by Caine, Hall, Sir

Gothicism, driven southward, runs speedily to seed; an amazing luxuriance, a riot, strange flowers of heavy shapes and maddening savour; and then that worse corruption to follow a perfection premature.

From Earthwork out of Tuscany Being Impressions and Translations of Maurice Hewlett by Hewlett, Maurice Henry