E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Spasmod’ic School.
A name applied by Professor Aytoun to certain authors of the nineteenth century, whose writings are distinguished by spasmodic or forced conceits. Of this school the most noted are Carlyle, Bailey (author of Festus), Alexander Smith, Sydney Dobell, etc.
