athleticismn.
/aθˈlɛtᵻsɪz(ə)m/, /əθˈlɛtᵻsɪz(ə)m/, U.S. /æθˈlɛdəˌsɪzəm/ The physical qualities that are characteristic of athletes, such as fitness, strength, agility, etc. Also (esp. in earlier use): the practice of athletics; athletic training or exercise.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > athletics > [noun] > athlete > quality of
strengthOE
athleticism1835
athletism1854
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > athletics > [noun] > practice of or devotion to
athleticism1870
1835 J. Knowles Pronouncing & Explanatory Dict. Eng. Lang. Athleticism, muscular strength.
1849 Floridian & Jrnl. (Tallahassee) 26 May 1/3 These champions were all dressed alike in leather pantaloons, fitting tightly as the skin... Choicer specimens of athleticism could not well be found.
1858 Edinb. Rev. Jan. 190 It is hardly less strange to make Dr. Arnold a patron saint of athleticism. His letters often refer to the Rugby amusements, but they give no proof that he took the sort of view of them which is taken by ‘Tom Brown’.
1870 Daily News 24 Nov. The controversy about athleticism at the Universities and the Public Schools.
1881 Macmillan's Mag. 43 290 Athleticism..ought to be a valuable ally in promoting habits of temperance and sobriety.
1904 Argus Christmas Ann. (Cape Colony section) 38 The physique of the native-born Afrikander..is admirably suitable for the rugged athleticism of the football arena.
1960 J. Updike Rabbit, Run 122 Bounds up the stairs with that unexpected athleticism.
1977 I. Woodward Ballet i. vii. 73 A gymnast combines a high level of controlled athleticism with the grace and beauty of classical dance.
2010 New Yorker 15 Mar. 63/2 He allows his athleticism and his innate feel for the snow to do the work.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2013; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1835