† ˈpoppism Obs. rare.
Also 7 popisme.
[a. F. popisme, ‘the popping, or smacking sound wherewith Riders incourage, or cherish, their horses’ (Cotgr.); ad. L. poppysma, -ysmus, a. Gr. πόππυσµα, ποππυσµός, ns. f. ποππύζειν to smack the lips, make a clucking sound.]
The making of a smacking sound with the lips.
| 1653 Urquhart Rabelais i. xxiii. 104 The prancing flour⁓isnes, and smacking popismes [F. popismes], for the better cherishing of the horse, commonly used in riding. 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp. s.v. Adoration, The method of adoring lightening,..was poppisms, or gentle clappings of the hands. |