bowdlerism

bowd·ler·ize  (bdl-rz, boud-)

tr.v. bowd·ler·ized, bowd·ler·iz·ing, bowd·ler·iz·es

1. To expurgate (a book, for example) prudishly.

2. To modify, as by shortening or simplifying or by skewing the content in a certain manner.

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[After Thomas Bowdler (1754-1825), who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare in 1818.]

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bowdler·ism n.

bowdler·i·zation (-lr--zshn) n.

bowdler·izer n.

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bowdlerism

the expurgation of a literary work in a highly prudish manner. Also bowdlerization. — bowdlerize, v.

See also: Literature

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Bowdlerism - censorship in the form of prudish expurgation censoring, censorship - deleting parts of publications or correspondence or theatrical performances