n. the political concept of a province withdrawing from Confederation and existing as a separate and independent state; also, advocacy of or support for this concept.
- 1961  Separatism is not new to Quebec.
- 1963  Separatism, of course, is still a long way from obtaining the support of the majority. There are still many people in the boondocks who haven't ever heard of it.
- 1966  Where does Quebec's special status end and separatism take over?