Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Individualism \In`di*vid"u*al*ism\, n. [Cf. F. individualisme.]
   1. The quality of being individual; individuality;
      personality.

   2. An excessive or exclusive regard to one's personal
      interest; self-interest; selfishness.

            The selfishness of the small proprietor has been
            described by the best writers as individualism.
                                                  --Ed. Rev.

Individualism \In`di*vid"u*al*ism\, n.
   The principle, policy, or practice of maintaining
   individuality, or independence of the individual, in action;
   the theory or practice of maintaining the independence of
   individual initiative, action, and interests, as in
   industrial organization or in government.

Source : WordNet®

individualism
     n 1: the quality of being individual; "so absorbed by the
          movement that she lost all sense of individuality" [syn:
           {individuality}, {individuation}] [ant: {commonality}]
     2: a belief in the importance of the individual and the virtue
        of self-reliance and personal independence
     3: the doctrine that government should not interfere in
        commercial affairs [syn: {laissez faire}]