essayistn.
/ˈɛseɪɪst/, U.S. /ˈɛseɪəst/ 1. One who essays, one who makes trials or experiments. Const. of. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > one who endeavours or attempts
assayera1398
enterpriser1490
offerer1581
endeavourer1586
attempter1598
essayer1611
essayist1736
trier1891
1736 in Bailey
1794 E. Burke Pref. to Brissot's Addr. Constituents in Wks. (1808) VII. 313 All the essayists and novices of revolution in 1789, that could be found, were promiscuously put to death.
1815 W. H. Ireland Scribbleomania 80 The panegyric may prompt such unfortunate essayists to consult the productions of the personage so extolled.
1868 Mrs. H. Wood Red Court Farm I. ix. 256 The mistakes made by both essayists kept the platform in a roar.
2. A writer of essays.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > essay > [noun] > writing essays > one who
essayist1616
essayer1664
essay-writer1711
1616 B. Jonson Epicœne ii. iii, in Wks. I. 543 Meere Essaists! a few loose sentences, and that's all. View more context for this quotation
1759 O. Goldsmith Resverie in Bea 152 I am not to have admittance as an essayist.
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1752 I. 127 A cessation..of any exertion of his talents as an essayist.
1829 T. B. Macaulay Misc. Writings (1860) I. 311 The conclusion at which the essayist arrives.
1884 J. W. Ebsworth in Roxburghe Ballads ii. Pref. p. viii He was a brilliant historical Essayist.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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