diplomatist
(dɪˈpləʊmətɪst)
[f. diplomat n., or stem of diplomat-ic, etc. + -ist: cf. F. philologue, Eng. philologist.]
a. One engaged in official diplomacy. b. One characterized by diplomatic address; a shrewd and crafty person.
| 1815 Mackintosh Sp. in Ho. Com. 27 Apr. Wks 1846 III. 317 Long familiarity with the smooth and soft manners of diplomatists. 1826 Disraeli Viv. Grey iii. i, Vivian..dropped the diplomatist altogether, and was explicit enough for a Spartan. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 246 Diplomatists, as a class, have always been more distinguished by their address..than by generous enthusiasm or austere rectitude. 1860 Froude Hist. Eng. V. 219 So accomplished a diplomatist as Paget could only despise the tricks which he was ordered to practise. |
| attrib. 1858 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. (1865) II. vii. iv. 282 The Diplomatist world of Berlin is in a fuss. |