Petrarchism

[ pee-trahr-kiz-uhm, pe- ]

noun

1. the poetic style introduced by Petrarch and characteristic of his work, marked by complex grammatical structure, elaborate conceits, and conventionalized diction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Petrarchism¹

First recorded in 1880–85; Petrarch + -ism

Example Sentences

Moore also had a critical book, “Desiring Voices, Women Sonneteers and Petrarchism,” come out in 2000 from Southern Illinois University Press.

From Washington Times

The first effected a wholesome reaction against the one-sided idealism of German poetry, it led the intellect back to stern realities, and uprooted that sentimental Petrarchism that has always seemed to us as a Quixotism in verse.

From Project Gutenberg

The tendency of Petrarchism was also in the direction of romanticism.

From Project Gutenberg

By the close of the century it was no longer the greater Italians, such as Francesco Molza, who represented at its height the victorious heresy of Petrarchism, it was a Frenchman, of whom our own great lyrist, Lodge, in his Margarite of America in 1596, wrote: "few men are able to second the sweet conceits of Philippe Desportes, whose poetical writings are ordinarily in everybody's hand."

From Project Gutenberg

Petrarchism returned, madrigals came in vogue, the social atmosphere was deodorized again.

From Project Gutenberg