nephalism

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek νηφάλιος (nēphálios, “sober”), from νήφω (nḗphō, “to be sober”).

Noun

nephalism (uncountable)

1. (obsolete, Temperance movement) The practice of abstaining completely from the drinking of alcohol; teetotalism
   • 1862, James Miller, Nephalism, the true temperance of Scripture, science, and experience, page 109:

     Our Nephalism we seek to honour as a stepping-stone to the gospel […]

   • 1881 January 26, Bishop of Goulburn, quotee, “Church of England Temperance Society”, in Sydney Morning Herald‎^[1]:

     The medical profession is somewhat divided in its estimate of the comparative value of temperance and of nephalism in promoting the designs which we have in view.

   • 1881, Rev. M. de Colleville, “Alcoholic Intemperance in Continental States”, in The National Temperance League's Annual, page 45:

     May the Lord have mercy on the drunkards of Continental Europe, […] and reclaim them all through the initiatory labours of those who, by nephalism brought back to the practice of the Gospel, have thus been so wonderfully saved from utter ruin and desolation.

Related terms

• nephalist

References

• OED 2nd edition 1989