galeanthropy

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek γαλῆ, contracted form of γαλέη (“a name given to various animals of the weasel kind”), +‎ -anthropy.

Noun

galeanthropy (uncountable)

1. (rare) A mental condition of thinking that one has become a cat, usually manifest in the adoption of feline mannerisms and habits.
   • 1973, M. E. Kerr, If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?, Marshall Cavendish Classics (2009), ISBN 9780761455455, page 49:

     "That is the most interesting delusion I've come across since reading up on galeanthropy," said Sophie.

   • 1994 20 May, Matthew Marchese, “Tales of Obscure Usage I”, talk.bizarre, Usenet:

     Meanwhile his frau made loud mewling and scratching noises in the hallway beyond, deep in the throes of advanced galeanthropy.

   • 1996, Charles Harrington Elster, There's a Word for It!: A Grandiloquent Guide to Life, Scriber (1996), ISBN 9780684824550, page 33:

     […] across the street to pet a cat, falls into a coma and experiences galeanthropy.

   • 1998 15 April, Serenleono, “Re: Touched by Chris Farely”, alt.religion.angels, Usenet:

     You got through to him?! He [Jack Kevorkian] won't return my calls anymore and his secretary just keeps repeating "No, we don't think suffering from galeanthropy makes one a valid candidate for the doctor's consideration."

See also

• cynanthropy