zoilushttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoilus_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_useZoilus, n.
First published 1921; not fully revised

Zoilusnoun

  1. 1565–
    Name of a Greek critic and grammarian (4th century b.c.) famous for his severe criticism of Homer; transferred (with plural Zoili, Zoiluses), a censorious, malignant, or envious critic.
    1. 1565
      Of him, all malicious carpers of other mens wourkes be called Zoili.
      S. Cooper, Dict. Historicum (at cited word), in Thesaurus
    2. 1567
      Carp not ye cankred Zoiles al, the men Whose labour spente in paynfull toyle hath ben.
      J. Sanford, translation of Epictetus, Man. A v b
    3. 1575
      Although that Zoylus would him spot, Let him doe what he may.
      W. Clowes in J. Banister's Treatise Chirurg. In praise of Author
    4. 1580
      To defende my imperfection, against a sorte of Momus secte, and Zoilus bande.
      R. Hitchcock, Pollitique Platt Preface **ij
    5. 1609
      Zoilisses and Thersitisses.
      J. Dowland, translation of A. Ornithoparchus, Micrologus 76
    6. 1612
      Such as are eminent should be careful of their conuersations when they are besieged with such malitious Zoiles.
      R. Sheldon, 1st Sermon after Conversion 47
    7. 1636
      Carping Zoilusses, or malignant Momusses whom no men can please.
      W. Prynne, Remonstrance against Shipmoney Epistle
    8. 1818
      This formidable Zoilus of the Crawley family.
      Lady Morgan, Florence Macarthy (1819) vol. II. ii. 99
    9. a1834
      How then comes it that not only single Zoili, but whole nations have combined in unhesitating condemnation of our great dramatist?
      S. T. Coleridge, Notes & Lectures (1849) vol. I. 64

Zoilus, n. was first published in 1921; not fully revised.

Zoilus, n. was last modified in March 2025.