Grecism

American  

[gree-siz-uhm] / ˈgri sɪz əm /

especially British, Graecism

noun

1. the spirit of Greek thought, art, etc.

2. adoption or imitation of this.

3. an idiom or peculiarity of Greek.

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Grecism British  

/ ˈɡriːˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a variant spelling (esp US) of Graecism

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Etymology

Origin of Grecism

1560–70; < Medieval Latin Graecismus, equivalent to Latin Graec ( us ) Greek + -ismus -ism

Example Sentences

An application of this word may be quoted, partaking of a Grecism, unless we mistake: "And whan the people felte the smell therof."

From Notes and Queries, Number 239, May 27, 1854 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc by Various

But this Anglican Grecism has the quality which all modern British art exhibits,—the very quality which the Greeks could not abide,—it is tinged with excess.

From Atlantic Classics, Second Series by Addams, Jane

Here not to refuse = to accept; and is probably a Grecism.

From A Handbook of the English Language by Latham, R. G. (Robert Gordon)

Homer is not dyed in Grecism as Pindar is.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 57, No. 354, April 1845 by Various