kabbalism

Also cab·ba·lism,
Or cab·a·lism

[kab-uh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. the principles or doctrines of the kabbalah.

2. an interpretation of something according to the doctrines of the kabbalah.

3. any mystic or occult doctrine; mysticism; occultism.

4. extreme traditionalism in theological conception or interpretation.

5. obfuscation or obscurantism, especially resulting from an excessively recondite vocabulary.

   the kabbalism of some modern literary criticism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kabbalism¹

First recorded in 1580–90; kabbalah + -ism

Example Sentences

In the thirteenth century a new doctrine spread: kabbalism, or Jewish mysticism.

From Literature