Martinist
(ˈmɑːtɪnɪst)
Also 7 martenist.
[f. the proper name Martin + -ist.]
1. A partisan of ‘Martin Marprelate’.
| 1589 ? Lyly Pappe w. Hatchet Wks. 1902 III. 405 Twas a mad knaue and a Martinist, that diuided his sermon into parts for memorie sake. a 1600 Hooker Eccl. Pol. vii. vi. §7 Tell the Martinist of the High-Priests great authority..what other thing doth serve his turn but the self-same shift. 1659 Gauden Tears Ch. i. v. 61 After such..Satyrick Pasquils (worthy of such Martenists) came open menacings of Princes and Parlaments, Priests and People too. |
2. A follower of Martin Luther (as described by Swift in The Tale of a Tub).
| 1751 Earl of Orrery Remarks Swift (1752) 194 The criticisms of the Martinists (whom we may suppose the members of the church of England). |
3. [F. Martiniste.] A member of a mystical school of religionists founded by L. C. de Saint-Martin (1743–1803), a disciple of Martinez Pasqualis (died 1779).
| 1871 Morley Crit. Misc. Ser. i. 183 Peradventure the twelve apostles might please you better than the philanthropists and Martinists. |
† 4. ? Used erron. for martinet2. Obs.
| 1652 Gaule Magastrom. 179 How many magicians, astrologers, [etc.]..have had their..martinists, maisterels, and ministrels, their imps and familiars, as well as other witches? |