Definition of "sectionalism" []

• Excessive devotion to local interests and customs. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Northern capitalist repudiated the idea of sectionalism, it does not follow that he set up any other in its place."
• "President Lincoln spoke of "sectionalism" and the evils associated with it."
• "With winner-take-all rules, this kind of sectionalism could lead to fractured results and a nominee who cannot unite the party behind his candidacy."