laconism
(ˈlækənɪz(ə)m)
[ad. Gr. λακωνισµός, f. λακωνίζειν to Laconize. Cf. F. laconisme.]
1. (With capital initial.) Partiality for the Lacedæmonians; the practice of favouring the Lacedæmonian interest. rare.
| 1655 Stanley Hist. Philos. iii. (1701) 118/2 Xenophon..was banished for Laconism, upon his going to Agesilaus. 1869 A. W. Ward tr. Curtius' Hist. Greece II. iii. ii. 375 ‘Laconism’ was with increasing plain-spokenness designated as treason against the national interests of Athens. |
2. The habit or practice of imitating the Lacedæmonian manners, esp. in brevity of speech.
| 1570 Levins Manip. 146 Laconisme, laconismus. 1607 T. Walkington Opt. Glass 31, I doe here passe the limits of laconisme. 1669 Gale Crt. Gentiles i. iii. x. 109 Is not Laconisme, or a short stile, provided it be ful and evident, best? 1697 J. Collier Ess. ii. 120 And as the Language of the Face is universal, so 'tis very comprehensive. No Laconism can reach it. 1791–1823 D'Israeli Cur. Lit. (1866) 205/1 This spiritual laconism invigorated the arm of men. 1836 Blackw. Mag. XL. 484 There is a good tone of laconism hit off in that dialogue. 1858 J. Kavanagh Adèle I. i. 6 His will was brief to laconism. |
b. A laconic speech; a short and pithy sentence.
| 1682 Sir T. Browne Chr. Mor. (1756) 35 The hand of Providence writes often by abbreviatures..which like the Laconism on the wall, are not to be made out but by a hint or key. 1791–1823 D'Israeli Cur. Lit. (1866) 393/1 The ‘laconisms’ of the Lacedæmonians evidently partook of the proverbial style. 1838 D. Jerrold Men. Charac., Chr. Snub iii. Wks. 1864 III. 426 The highway laconism of ‘your money or your life’. |