aerialist
(ˈɛərɪəlɪst)
[f. aerial a. + -ist.]
1. = pillarist 1. rare.
| 1846 W. Trollope Jortin's Eccl. Hist. II. xxxvi. 108 [St. Simeon Stylites'] example was imitated by other aerialists of great nerve and little brains. |
2. A performer on the high wire or trapeze.
| 1905 Barnum & Bailey's Program 15 A cluster of most remarkable champion aerialists. 1950 Oxf. Jun. Encycl. IX. 2/1 An ‘aerialist’ is an acrobat who performs on the tight⁓rope or trapeze, up in the dome of the circus tent. 1961 Guardian 22 May 5/1 The aerialists are so high and perilous that their bland composure fools no one. |