Emily Dickinson Lexicon

E'GO-TISM, n. [Fr. egoisme; Sp. egoismo; from L. ego, I.]

Primarily, the practice of too frequently using the word I. Hence, a speaking or writing much of one's self; self-praise; self-commendation; the act or practice of magnifying one's self, or making one's self of importance. Spectator. A deplorable egotism of character. Dwight on Dueling.