sb. and a. [ad. L. voluptuārius, post-classical form of voluptārius VOLUPTARY, f. voluptas pleasure, VOLUPTY. Cf. F. voluptuaire adj.]
A. sb. One who is addicted to sensuous pleasures; one who is given up to indulgence in luxury or the gratification of the senses; a sybarite.
a. 1610. Healey, Cebes (1636), 126. Here are professed voluptuaries also.
1647. R. Stapylton, Juvenal, 13. His very name signifies a favourer of learning, and (as it appeares by this allusion) it may likewise signifie a voluptuary.
1668. Bp. Hopkins, Serm., Vanity (1685), 47. The most artificial voluptuaries have always allowed themselves an intermission in their pleasures, to recruit nature, and sharpen their sensual desires.
a. 1734. North, Lives (1826), I. 314. He was a great voluptuary, and companion of the high court rakes.
1776. Gibbon, Decl. & F., vi. I. 149. A rational voluptuary adheres with invariable respect to the temperate dictates of nature.
1819. Scott, Ivanhoe, xxix. The admiration which her charms excited, when accident threw her into the power of that unprincipled voluptuary.
1840. Carlyle, Heroes, ii. (1858), 238. We shall err widely if we consider this man as a common voluptuary, intent mainly on base enjoyments.
1869. McLaren, Serm., Ser. II. vii. 126. Remember that this cruel voluptuary is the sweet singer of Israel.
transf. 1852. Mrs. Stowe, Uncle Tom’s C., xv. 138. St. Clare, who was in his heart a poetical voluptuary, smiled as Miss Ophelia made her remark on his premises.
B. adj. Of, pertaining to, characterized by, sensuous or luxurious pleasures.
1605. Bacon, Adv. Learn., II. x. § 13. The Arts which florish … while vertue is in declination, are voluptuarie:… with Arts voluptuarie, I couple practises Iocularie.
1609. Holland, Amm. Marcell., E 3 b. Leading a wanton and voluptuary life.
1662. Hibbert, Body Divinity, I. 308. Art is twofold, of 1. Body; 2. Soul. Either 1. Cosmetick,… 2. Medicinal,… 3. Athletick,… 4. Voluptuary.
1779. Johnson, L. P., King, ¶ 8. He did not love … any kind of business which interrupted his voluptuary dreams.
