adamitism

Noun capitalized: Adamitism

Adamitism (uncountable)

1. Any of a variety of Christian sects or cults that advocated nudity as an expression of human perfection.
   • He ordered them both to strip to the skin, then addressed them as follows: "That as he perceived that neither of them had any religion before, 'twas proper they should begin to have some, and therefore out of charity to their souls, he had converted them to Adamitism.1814, Charles Johnson, William Davis, The History of the Lives and Actions of the Most Famous Highwaymen, Street-Robbers, &c. &c. &c., page 433
   • We may infer from these passages that Adamitism still survived into the mid-1420s, although the main body of the sect had been liquidated in 1421; the survivors evidently made good use of the quasi-Pikart eucharistic doctrine1964, Studies in Medieval and Renaissance History, page 136
2. (obsolete) The advocacy or practice of public nudity.
   • It was easy enough to leave off drinking sugar in her tea, but it was difficult to leave off materials constructed of cotton, and Miss Congreve was driven to the verge of Adamitism.1861, Bracebridge Hemyng, The Dark Cloud with the Silver Lining, page 87
   • In what environment these lads were found it boots not to tell ; such habiliments or parts of garments as they possess threaten at any moment to give way and leave them in a state of Adamitism not to be thought of with unconcern.1893, The Young Woman - Volume 2, page 71

   Synonyms:

   naturism, nudism