Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Nympholepsy
Nym′pho-lepˊsy
(nĭm′fō̍-lĕpˊsy̆)
, Noun.
[Gr.
νύμφη
a nymph + λαμβάνειν
to seize.] A species of demoniac enthusiasm or possession coming upon one who had accidentally looked upon a nymph; ecstasy.
[R.]
De Quincey.
The
nympholepsy
of some fond despair. Byron.
Definition 2024
nympholepsy
nympholepsy
English
Noun
nympholepsy (plural nympholepsies)
- A frenzied state of (usually erotic) emotion, especially concerning something or someone unattainable.
- 1852, Mary Edgewood Lazarus, Love Vs. Marriage: Part 1, page 292
- If young persons of both sexes were brought together in the honest practical relations of organized labor, we should see no more of these fond nympholepsies
- 1852, Mary Edgewood Lazarus, Love Vs. Marriage: Part 1, page 292