▪ I. theism1
(ˈθiːɪz(ə)m)
[mod. f. Gr. θε-ός god + -ism. Cf. F. théisme (Voltaire).]
a. gen. Belief in a deity, or deities, as opposed to atheism. b. Belief in one god, as opposed to polytheism or pantheism; = monotheism. c. Belief in the existence of God, with denial of revelation: = deism. d. esp. Belief in one God as creator and supreme ruler of the universe, without denial of revelation: in this use distinguished from deism.
| 1678 Cudworth Intell. Syst. Pref., Nor indeed out of a meer Partiall Regard to that Cause of Theism neither, which we were engaged in. 1711 Shaftesbury Charac. (1737) II. 209, I consider..that to be a settled Christian, it is necessary to be first of all a good theist. For theism can only be oppos'd to polytheism, or atheism. a 1774 Tucker Lt. Nat. (1834) II. 323 We find the introduction of theism, that is, the doctrine of an intelligent Agent, the Author of nature,..claimed for Pythagoras. 1841 Elphinstone Hist. India I. 163 The theism inculcated by the Védas..has been supplanted by a system of gross polytheism and idolatry. 1877 R. Flint Theism i. 18 Theism is the doctrine that the universe owes its existence, and continuance..to the reason and will of a self-existent Being... It is the doctrine that nature has a Creator and Preserver. 1888 F. L. Patton Syllabus Lect. Theism 1 (Funk) Theism may be considered religiously [as embracing] polytheism, pantheism, monotheism (theism par excellence). |
▪ II. theism2 Path.
(ˈθiːɪz(ə)m)
[f. mod.L. the-a tea + -ism.]
A morbid condition characterized by headache, sleeplessness, and palpitation of the heart, caused by excessive tea-drinking.
| 1886 Science VIII. 132 It is customary to speak of acute, subacute and chronic ‘theism’, a form that has no connection with theological matters. 1906 Daily News 14 Sept. 6 It is well to keep an eye on ‘acute caffeism’ and ‘chronic theism’. |