Gallicism
(ˈgælɪsɪz(ə)m)
[a. F. gallicisme, f. L. gallic-us Gallic a.1: see -ism.]
1. An idiom or mode of expression belonging to the French language, esp. one used by a speaker or writer in some other language; also, in generalized sense, free use of French idiom, ‘Frenchy’ kind of diction.
| 1656 Blount Glossogr., Gallicism, the form of speech, or custom of the French. 1683 Apol. Prot. France ii. 19, I can scarce believe..that it was written in French; how⁓ever, some Gallicisms are put in to make you believe it. 1759 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. to Sir J. Steuart 19 July, I hope you won't think this dab of Italian..an affectation like his Gallicisms. 1821 New Monthly Mag. II. 310 It is useless investigating the crowd of gallicisms that might be presented. 1833 Macaulay Ess., Walpole (1843) II. 107 His style is more deeply tainted with Gallicism [Edinb. Rev. Oct. (1833) 233 Gallicisms] than that of any other English writer with whom we are acquainted. 1861 Maine Anc. Law (1874) 37 Each group of circumstances..receives, to employ a gallicism, a sort of consecration. 1867 Macfarren Harmony iii. (1876) 115 Its use has come to be regarded as a musical Gallicism. |
2. A French characteristic, custom, mode of thought, or the like.
| 1715 M. Davies Athen. Brit. i. 295 A higher pitch of Gothisms and Gallicisms in Religion, as well as in Words. |