MDDM18: German

[Mutualcode at aol.com]

Samuel Johnson's take on enthusiasm/enthusiast might shed some light
since it is the 18th century. As usual, he doesn't mince words:

http://www.english.upenn.edu/~jlynch/Frank/Contexts/sjenthus.html


In a message dated 1/30/02 8:37:46 PM, davidmmonroe at yahoo.com writes:

<< > In a message dated 1/30/02 9:26:41 AM, pfm at anam.com
> writes:
> 
> << I seemed to remember some Religious etymology for
> the word Enthusiast and sure enough:
> 
> Main Entry: en.thu.si.asm
> Pronunciation: in-'thu-zE-"a-z&m, en-, also -'thyu-
> Function: noun
> Etymology: Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein
> to be inspired, irregular
> from entheos inspired, from en- + theos god
> Date: 1603
> 1 a : belief in special revelations of the Holy
> Spirit b : religious fanaticism
> 2 a : strong excitement of feeling : ARDOR b :
> something inspiring zeal or fervor
> 
> Coupled with the fact that the phrase used is
> "German Enthusiasts" (caps) meaning 1 above, may be
> relevant.

And pardon my laxity for (uncharacteristically) not
having performed this operation myself.  Thanks ...>>