zoomagnetismhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoomagnetism_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoomagnetism, n.
Revised 2017

zoomagnetismnoun

Now chiefly historical.
  1. 1824–
    A supposed invisible force having physical effects, considered to emanate from a living being and to account for the action of mesmerism (mesmerism n.) and some other phenomena; = animal magnetism n. (a).
    1. 1824
      I felt a vehement impulse to try Zoo-magnetism, i.e. to try my hand at a resurrection.
      S. T. Coleridge, Collected Letters (1971) vol. V. 350
    2. a1834
      Imposture may indeed be grafted on Zoomagnetism.
      S. T. Coleridge, Shorter Works & Fragm. (1995) vol. II. ii. 911
    3. 1864
      Familiar with zoo-magnetism and clairvoyance.
      T. Shorter, Two Worlds 19
    4. 1914
      He says that the [dowsing] rod is moved by involuntary muscular contraction. I guess that it is moved by zoömagnetism.
      H. Holt, On Cosmic Relations vol. I. ii.i. ix. 140
    5. 2004
      He [sc. Coleridge] found a ready physiological explanation for Swedenborg's experiences in new theories of mesmerism (also known as animal magnetism or zoomagnetism).
      H. J. Jackson in S. McNeilly, In search Absolute 9

Originally published as part of the entry for zoo-, comb. form

zoo-, comb. form was revised in June 2017.