puseyism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Historical/Literary)Historical, Academic, Ecclesiastical, Literary, Often Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “puseyism” mean?
The theological principles and practices associated with the Oxford Movement, especially as led by Edward Bouverie Pusey, emphasizing High Church Anglicanism, ritualism, and sacramental theology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theological principles and practices associated with the Oxford Movement, especially as led by Edward Bouverie Pusey, emphasizing High Church Anglicanism, ritualism, and sacramental theology.
A term, often used pejoratively, referring to the revival of Catholic doctrine, liturgy, and ceremony within the Church of England in the 19th century. It can imply excessive ritualism or a perceived drift towards Roman Catholicism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more likely to be encountered in British historical and theological texts due to its origin in the English Oxford Movement. In American usage, it is extremely rare and would be understood only in specific academic or High Church Anglican contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is a specialized term. In British historical discourse, it may be used more neutrally; in polemical contexts, it retains its original pejorative charge of 'Romanising tendency'.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in general language. Its frequency is confined to histories of religion, 19th-century literature, and theological discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “puseyism” in a Sentence
[Noun] was a form of Puseyism.Critics denounced his practices as sheer Puseyism.The sermon was an attack on Puseyism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “puseyism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The parish was accused of Puseyising its liturgy.
American English
- (Rare, likely same) He was criticized for Puseyising the communion service.
adverb
British English
- The chapel was decorated Puseyistically, with candles and incense.
American English
- (Extremely rare) The service was conducted Puseyistically.
adjective
British English
- His Puseyite sympathies were well known.
- A Puseyistic pamphlet caused uproar.
American English
- (Rare) The scholar wrote about Puseyite influences.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and Victorian literary studies to describe a specific religious movement and its controversies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise label in ecclesiastical history and studies of Anglicanism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “puseyism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “puseyism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “puseyism”
- Misspelling as 'Pusyism' or 'Pusseyism'.
- Using it as a contemporary term for modern High Church practices.
- Confusing it broadly with all forms of Catholicism.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Puseyism was a movement within the Church of England (Anglicanism) that emphasized Catholic-like traditions and theology while maintaining loyalty to Anglicanism. Its opponents accused it of being crypto-Catholic.
It is primarily a historical term. You will find it in history books and older literature, but it is not used to describe modern church movements, where terms like 'Anglo-Catholicism' are preferred.
He was one of its most prominent and long-lasting leaders, but the movement was started by others including John Henry Newman and John Keble. 'Puseyism' is named for him because of his dominant role and public visibility.
It originated as a term used by critics and opponents, so it often carries a negative or suspicious connotation. In modern academic use, it can be neutral, describing the historical phenomenon.
The theological principles and practices associated with the Oxford Movement, especially as led by Edward Bouverie Pusey, emphasizing High Church Anglicanism, ritualism, and sacramental theology.
Puseyism is usually historical, academic, ecclesiastical, literary, often pejorative in register.
Puseyism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpjuːziɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpjuziˌɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms. The word itself functions almost as a historical epithet.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Pusey' + 'ism'. Edward Pusey pushed for more ceremony in the church, so Pusey-ism is his 'system' or 'movement'.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS BELIEF IS A SUBSTANCE/DOCTRINE (e.g., 'spread of Puseyism'), OFTEN A CONTAMINANT (in pejorative use, e.g., 'taint of Puseyism').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most closely associated with Puseyism?