cicisbeism

[ chee-chiz-bey-iz-uh m or, older use, si-sis-bee- ]
/ ˌtʃi tʃɪzˈbeɪ ɪz əm or, older use, sɪˈsɪs bi- /

noun

the social custom of having a cicisbeo, as practiced especially in Italy in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Origin of cicisbeism

From the Italian word cicisbeismo, dating back to 1735–45. See cicisbeo, -ism

Words nearby cicisbeism

cicero, cicerone, ciceronian, ciceronianism, cichlid, cicisbeism, cicisbeo, ciclopirox olamine, ciclosporin, cid, cid, el

Example sentences from the Web for cicisbeism

  • And it was not as yet vitiated by the institution of Cicisbeism.

    Renaissance in Italy: Italian Literature |John Addington Symonds

  • She tempts fate when she carries on her gallantries and her Italian cicisbeism under the eyes of Scone Dacres.

    The American Baron |James De Mille

  • This is a kind of Cicisbeism, recognised and regulated by customary law, and sanctioned by a definite ceremony.

    Social Origins and Primal Law |Andrew Lang

  • Cicisbeism is not treated in extenso, as it should be, and I also missed the fragrant name of Sophie Arnould.

    The Merry-Go-Round |Carl Van Vechten