1. the behavior, attitudes, or practices characteristic of a nabob; ostentatious wealth and power, especially when acquired through colonial or foreign service
Usage: often used critically or satirically; historical, referring especially to British officials in India

Examples

• The retired colonial officer's nabobism was evident in his lavish mansion and dismissive attitude toward the local community.
• Critics accused the wealthy businessman of nabobism for flaunting his fortune without regard for those less fortunate.
• The novel satirizes the nabobism of returning merchants who sought to establish themselves as gentry.
• His nabobism made him unpopular among his peers, who found his pretensions tiresome.
• The exhibition explored how nabobism shaped British society during the height of imperial expansion.