\Ro*man"ti*cism\, n. [CF. It. romanticismo, F.
romantisme, romanticisme.]
A fondness for romantic characteristics or peculiarities;
specifically, in modern literature, an aiming at romantic
effects; -- applied to the productions of a school of writers
who sought to revive certain medi?val forms and methods in
opposition to the so-called classical style.

      He [Lessing] may be said to have begun the revolt from
      pseudo-classicism in poetry, and to have been thus
      unconsciously the founder of romanticism. --Lowell.