There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun zealist . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
Earliest known use
early 1600s
The earliest known use of the noun zealist is in the early 1600s.
OED's earliest evidence for zealist is from 1614, in the writing of Christopher Brooke, politician and poet.
Nearby entries Zealandic, adj. 1807– Zealandish, adj. 1684– zealator, n. a1464– zeal-blind, adj. 1615–1898 zeal-consuming, adj. 1629–1882 zealed, adj. 1679–1903 zealer, n. ?a1450–1673 zealful, adj. 1602– zeal-inflamed, adj. 1648– zealing, adj. 1459–1602 zealist, n. 1614– zealless, adj. a1594– zealot, n. & adj. a1400– zealotic, adj. 1657– zealotical, adj. 1630– zealotism, n. 1645– zealotist, n. & adj. 1593– zealotry, n. 1653– zealous, adj. ?1495– zealously, adv. ?1495– zealousness, n. c1555–
1614–
A zealot.
Stressed as ˈzealist .
1614
Proue not a Zelist in fond Purity, Nor paint a Heauen, nor counterfeit a Hell. C. Brooke , Ghost of Richard III ii. lxxiv. sig. G2v
1638
The Meccan zealists have here a few poore built Mosques. T. Herbert , Some Yeares Travels (revised edition) 27
a 1657
His little Tutor, who like a second Protaeus could ingeniously disguise himself into the most safe shape; sometimes one of Goodwins Disciples, then a Presbyterian Zealist . C. Croke , Fortune's Uncertainty (1667) 16
1939
He throws himself into his hobby with the intensity of a zealist to escape for the moment the awful feeling of responsibility. Syracuse (New York) Journal 20 March l. 24/2
▶ more ▼ less An epithet given to the apostle Simon; = Canaanite , n.¹ A.2.
A devoted or zealous worshipper of a particular god, goddess, saint, or other person. Frequently with of or possessive. Now chiefly historical .
An epithet given to the apostle Simon. (See the etymology section.)
A person considered to exhibit excessive religious fervour; a religious zealot or fanatic. Cf. enthusiast , n. 1b.
In extended use. A zealous person; a zealot. Obsolete .
A person devoted to religion; an excessively religious person, a zealot. Also: a person professionally occupied with religion, as a minister or…
One who is subject to fits of ecstasy (see ecstasy , n. 2, 3).
A person who has or goes into raptures; an enthusiast.
A person bound by religious vows; (more generally) a person devoted to a religious life, a religious person.
A person under the influence of religious emotion. Obsolete . rare .
A devout or zealously religious person, a devotee. Also (esp. in later use): a sanctimonious or ostentatiously pious person.
A zealot (see zealot , n. ); esp. a person who is excessively, immoderately, or fanatically devoted to a cause or ideal, esp. a religious or…
A person who zealously promotes or furthers a cause, belief, etc.; a zealous defender or supporter of something. Obsolete (rare after 17th cent.).
A zealot (in either sense A.2 or sense A.3 of the noun). Cf. zealotism , n.
A person who is zealously, fervently or passionately devoted to a cause or belief, or to the pursuit of an objective or outcome. Frequently (and…
In extended use. A zealous person; a zealot. Obsolete .
A person given to or characterized by excessive jealousy.
Originally published as part of the entry for zeal, n.
zeal, n. was revised in June 2018.
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