/fash"iz euhm/ , n.
1. ( sometimes cap. ) a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.
2. ( sometimes cap. ) the philosophy, principles, or methods of fascism.
3. ( cap. ) a fascist movement, esp. the one established by Mussolini in Italy 1922-43.
[ 1915-20; fascismo, equiv. to fasc ( io ) bundle, political group (see FASCES) + -ismo -ISM ]