unionIsm (i as y)

[Eng. union; -ism.] 1. The political principles of those Americans who during the civil war opposed sece ion. 2. The principle of uniting or combining; spec if., the system of union or combination among work men engaged in the same occupation or trade; trades-unionism. 3. The doctrine that the legislative union between Great Britain and Ireland, and the supremacy of Parliament over any form of local government or Home Rule granted to Ireland, must be maintained. un'-ion-ist (i as y), s. & a. [Eng. union ; -ist.] A. As substantive : I. Ordinary Language : 1. One who promotes or advocates union; spec if., in American History, one who, prior to and during the war of the Rebellion, contended for the continued union of all the states-opposed to Sece ionist (q. v.). In English History, one who is opposed to the granting of a separate Parliament to Ireland and the consequent disruption of the union. First adopted at the General Election of 1886, and opposed to Separatist (q. v.). 2. A member of a trades-union; a trades-unionist. "Prohibiting the reading of papers devoted to the defense of trades-unionism, because, whenever the public heard of the unionists , it was generally when they were engaged in some great struggle with the employers." London Daily Telegraph. II. Ecclesiol.: A small religious sect now (1888) having registered places of worship in Britain. B. As adj .: Pertaining or relating to unionism; promoting or advocating unionism. "At the commencement of yesterday's pollings the Unionist party were more than a hundred seats ahead of their opponents." -London Daily Telegraph.