ˈtau̇ˌizəm, ˈdau̇- noun
( -s )
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: tao (I) + -ism
: a religion and philosophy of China traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century B.C. and originally teaching conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and retirement from the world for a pristine simplicity but later becoming a highly syncretistic religion greatly concerned with obtaining longevity and immortality often by magical means