cabalism

noun

cab·​a·​lism

ˈkabəˌlizəm

plural -s

1

often capitalized : esoteric doctrine or interpretation according to the Jewish cabala

2

: adherence to some traditional theological interpretation or tenets

the "key verse" and "key word" theory is a form of cabalism based on a fundamental misconception of the nature of the Biblical material

—J. C. Swaim

Word History

Etymology

cabala + -ism

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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