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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Chauvinism \Chau"vin*ism\, n. [F. chauvinisme, from Nicolas
Chauvin, a character represented as making grotesque and
threatening displays of his attachment to his fallen chief,
Napoleon I., in 1815 (in the play La Cocarde tricolor,
1831).]
1. Blind and absurd devotion to a fallen leader or an
obsolete cause; hence, absurdly vainglorious or
exaggerated patriotism.
[1913 Webster]

2. exaggerated and unreasoning partisanship to any group or
cause; -- as, male chauvinism, i.e. belief in the
superiority of males.
[PJC] -- {Chau"vin*ist}, n. & adj. -- {Chau`vin*is"tic},
a.
[1913 Webster]

Note: To have a generous belief in the greatness of one's
country is not chauvinism. It is the character of the
latter quality to be wildly extravagant, to be fretful
and childish and silly, to resent a doubt as an insult,
and to offend by its very frankness. --Prof. H. Tuttle.
[1913 Webster]