[f. prec. + -IST.] An advocate for the setting free of slaves, and the abolition of slavery. Also, an advocate of the emancipation of any class from legal disabilities or the like. (First applied to the advocates of ‘Catholic Emancipation’: see EMANCIPATION 2 a.)
1822. Southey, in Life (1850), V. 112. The Emancipationists … and the Dissenters will not be pleased.
1828. Q. Rev., XXXVIII. 557. To this point the emancipationists have … brought their vessel.
1859. Gen. P. Thompson, Audi Alt., II. xcviii. 87. Now is the time for the Emancipationists … to be up and doing.
1882. T. Mozley, Remin., I. iv. The … son of the great emancipationist [Wilberforce].
