kabbalism

or cab·a·lism

[ kab-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. the principles or doctrines of the kabbalah.
2. an interpretation of something according to the doctrines of the kabbalah.
3. any mystic or occult doctrine; mysticism; occultism.
4. extreme traditionalism in theological conception or interpretation.
5. obfuscation or obscurantism, especially resulting from an excessively recondite vocabulary:

   the kabbalism of some modern literary criticism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kabbalism¹

First recorded in 1580–90; kabbalah + -ism

Example Sentences

In the thirteenth century a new doctrine spread: kabbalism, or Jewish mysticism.

From Literature