† constiˈtutioner Obs.
[f. as prec. + -er1.]
1. A framer or writer of constitutions.
| 1716 M. Davies Ath. Brit. II. 382. Ibid. 383 Those sham Apostolical Constitutioners. |
2. A supporter of a (political) constitution.
At Oxford in 18th c., A member of the Constitution Club, loyal to the principles of the Revolution, and obnoxious to the Tory majority in the University.
| 1721 Amherst Terræ Fil. xliii. (1726) 235 There is in the university of Oxford..a dreadful register, call'd the blackbook..At present it is made use of to vent party spleen, and is fill'd up with whigs, constitutioners, and bangorians. Ibid. l. 282 A formal presentment of the constitutioners, as..enemies to monarchy. 1731 Hist. Litt. II. 452 The Regent..found out this Expedient, viz. to have a Body of Doctrines..drawn up in such a manner, as to please both Constitutioners and Appellants. |