encyclopedism

or en·cy·clo·pae·dism

[ en-sahy-kluh-pee-diz-uhm ]

noun

1. encyclopedic learning.
2. (often initial capital letter) the doctrines and influence of the Encyclopedists.

Word History and Origins

Origin of encyclopedism¹

First recorded in 1825–35; encycloped(ia) + -ism

Example Sentences

I know that Shakespeare was never forgiven for not having been to a university, that his encyclopedism of erudition, gained no one knows how, is still felt vaguely illicit.

From New York Times