The Collaborative International Dictionary
Zoism
Zoism \Zo"ism\, n. [Gr. zwh` life + -ism.]
Reverence for animal life or belief in animal powers and influences, as among savages.
(Biol.) A doctrine, now discarded, that the phenomena of life are due to a peculiar vital principle; the theory of vital force.
Wiktionary
zoism
n. 1 (context dated English) reverence for animal life or belief in animal powers and influences, as among primitive groups. 2 (context dated English) A former doctrine claiming that the phenomenon of life are due to a peculiar vital principle; the theory of vital force.