Mid 16th century; earliest use found in James Sanford (fl. 1567–1582), translator. From post-classical Latin rhetorismus, perhaps from classical Latin rhētor + -ismus after post-classical Latin rhetorizare.
Definition of rhetorism in US English:
rhetorism
nounˈrɛtərɪz(ə)m
Rhetorical speech or language.
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in James Sanford (fl. 1567–1582), translator. From post-classical Latin rhetorismus, perhaps from classical Latin rhētor + -ismus after post-classical Latin rhetorizare.