zendicismhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zendicism_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_useZendicism, n.
Revised 2018

Zendicismnoun

rare after 19th cent.
  1. 1697–
    Heresy, irreligion. Frequently spec. with reference to Persia or the Ottoman Empire: adherence to any of various sects considered to be heretical, esp. Manichaeism and Mazdakism. Cf. Zindiq n.
    1. 1697
      Zendicism, an Error among the Arabs near of kin to the Sadducism of the Jews,..denying Providence, the Resurrection, and a Future State.
      H. Prideaux, True Nature of Imposture in Life of Mahomet 13
    2. 1734
      He has been violently accused of Zendicism, or denying a Providence and the Resurrection.
      Bayle's General Dictionary Historical & Critical (new edition) vol. I. 117
    3. 1759
      He [sc. Harun Al Rashid] massacred great numbers of his subjects who had embraced Zendicism.
      Modern Part of Universal History vol. II. 322
    4. 1812
      Deeply polluted as they are by the principles of Zendicism.
      D. Price, Chronol. Retrospect Mahommedan History vol. II. ii. 69
    5. 1877
      The Persians exulted in crimes and Zendicism abounded.
      W. Smith & H. Wace, Dictionary of Christian Biography vol. I. 477/2
    6. 1935
      A new faith, Zendicism, which, according to its enemies at least, inculcated not only the community of property, but also of wives.
      C. Roth, Bird's-eye View Jewish History xi. 122
    7. 1992
      Accusing the Democrats of everything from atheism to zendicism, they are running for cover.
      Times Reporter (Dover, Ohio) 22 October a4/4

Originally published as part of the entry for Zindiq, n.

Zendicism, n. was revised in June 2018.

Zendicism, n. was last modified in September 2024.