controversialist
(kɒntrəˈvɜːʃəlɪst)
[f. as prec. + -ist.]
One who practises or is skilful in controversy; one who treats a subject in a controversial manner; a disputant.
| a 1734 North Exam. iii. vi. §116 (1740) 503 That I have taken this Author to Task, in the Quality of a Controversialist..for a Party and not Truth. 1794 Paley Evid. i. ix. §7 (R.) This rash and wild controversialist [Marcion]. 1874 Green Short Hist. v. §3 (1882) 229 Wyclif..the boldest and most indefatigable of controversialists. |