zoomorphismhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoomorphism_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoomorphism, n.
Revised 2017

zoomorphismnoun

    1. 1.a.
      1822–
      The attribution of animal form or nature to a god or supernatural being. Cf. anthropomorphism n. 1.
      1. 1822
        The most gross is the religion of the Egyptians, in which the attributes of the divinity were represented under the figures of animals... This may be termed zoomorphism [French Zoomorphisme].
        translation of C. Malte-Brun, Universal Geography vol. I. xxiii. 576
      2. 1882
        Zoomorphism is much more absurd than Anthropomorphism.
        St. G. Mivart, Nature & Thought 205
      3. 1921
        Zoömorphism is really not more absurd than anthropomorphism.
        Christian Sci. Journal January 533/2
      4. 1989
        God's protective care is shown through zoomorphism..: ‘Hide me in the shadow of your wings.’
        M. R. Wilson, Our Father Abraham ix. 142
      5. 2006
        Zoomorphism appears to be less common in early Chinese religion than it was in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, or Gaul.
        R. Sterckx in P. Waldau & K. Patton, Communion of Subj. iv. 261/2
    2. 1.b.
      1839–
      The supernatural transformation of a person or god into an animal.
      1. 1839
        This people believe in zoomorphism, or the transformation of men into beasts.
        Penny Magazine 23 November 456/1
      2. 1853
        Among the widespread epidemical delusions of bygone times, the doctrine of Zoomorphism—the belief of men being transformed into animals—is one of the most curious and deep-rooted.
        Asylum Journal No. 1. 52/1
      3. 1949
        We have had occasion to mention the animal transformations of the Morrígan. This zoomorphism is an important feature of many Irish goddesses.
        M. Dillon, translation of M. L. Sjoestedt, Gods & Heroes of Celts 33
      4. 2008
        Vibrant tales of cowboys, zoomorphism (the singer turns into a wolf on the title track) and an outlaw killer.
        Buffalo (New York) News (Nexis) 14 November g2
  1. 2.
    1860–
    Imitation or representation of animal forms in decorative art or symbolism.
    1. 1860
      Objects..which present as their peculiar and prevailing characteristic that zoomorphism of ornamentation.
      C. Innes, Scotland in Middle Ages 206
    2. 1879
      An Irish crosier..exhibits a more pronounced character of zoomorphism.
      J. Anderson, Scotland in Early Christian Times (1881) 221
    3. 1958
      Expressed by a zoomorphism which one comes across at times in some representations.
      East & West vol. 9 93/2
    4. 1986
      Pots, in particular, lend themselves to anthropomorphism (or perhaps zoomorphism).
      G. Cadogan, End Early Bronze Age 85
    5. 2003
      That sensibility has also been called zoomorphism..and reflects a widening interest among designers in borrowing the flowing forms of nature.
      New York Times (National edition) 6 November d1/2

zoomorphism, n. was revised in June 2017.

zoomorphism, n. was last modified in July 2023.