Dickensian

adjective

Dick·​en·​si·​an di-ˈken-zē-ən 

-sē-

: of, relating to, or suggestive of Charles Dickens or his writings

… a Dickensian density of imaginative detail.

—Thomas M. Disch

especially : evoking the desperation or conditions of 19th century English poverty

In spite of the Dickensian reputation that outlives them orphanages … represented a significant social reform for their time …

—Mary-Lou Weisman

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above