[f. as prec. + -IST.] a. One who promotes or leads a faction. b. A member of a faction, partisan. Also attrib.
1609. Bp. W. Barlow, Answ. Nameless Cath., 67. A Libellar by custom, a Factionist in Societie.
1625. Bp. Mountagu, App. Cæsar, II. xxiv. 271. We live with Puritans, and opposite Factionists, that have the Crosse of CHRIST in as great contempt and despight, as ever had IULIAN or any Pagan.
1718. Strype, Life Whitgift, I. xiii. 76. He [Dr. Still] … kept a strict Hand over the growing Factionists.
1830. D’Israeli, Chas. I., III. i. 5. Leaders … may degenerate into factionists.
1891. Daily News, 31 Oct., 6/5. The Parnellites were simultaneously holding a meeting, which was addressed by the factionist leaders.
