transvestism

Noun

transvestism (usually uncountable, plural transvestisms)

1. (usually) The condition of being a transvestite.
   • Transexualism. Where the compulsive urge reaches beyond female vestments, and becomes an urge for gender ("sex") change, transvestism becomes "transexualism." The term is misleading; actually, "transgenderism" is meant, because sexuality is not a major factor in primary transvestism....1965, John F. Oliven, “Sexual Deviations”, in Sexual Hygiene and Pathology: A Manual for the Physician and the Professions, 2nd edition, →OCLC, page 514
2. (usually) A paraphilia typically found in heterosexual males characterized by compulsively seeking and deriving sexual arousal from cross-dressing, especially if the urges and behavior cause the patient distress or social impairment.
3. (dated, usually) sexual mimicry