1. Plural of flagellantism; the practice or doctrine of flagellants, particularly the religious movement of self-flagellation for penance or spiritual discipline.
Usage: historical; religious context; often refers to medieval Christian movements
2. Plural form; instances or varieties of extreme self-punishment or self-denial practiced as religious or spiritual devotion.
Usage: formal; academic

Examples

• Medieval flagellantisms emerged during times of plague and social upheaval.
• Historians study various flagellantisms to understand religious devotion in the Middle Ages.
• The different flagellantisms practiced across Europe reflected distinct theological interpretations.
• Some scholars distinguish between organized flagellantisms and isolated acts of self-penance.
• Religious flagellantisms were often condemned by church authorities as excessive.