Obs. [f. as prec. + -IST.] One who maintains the figurative nature of something (e.g., of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist).
1585–7. T. Rogers, 39 Art. (1607), 289. The Symbolists, Figurists, and Significatists, who are of opinion that the faithful at the Lords Supper, doe receiue nothing but naked, and bare signes.
1625. Bp. Mountagu, Appeale to Cæsar, 297. The Figurists, Significatists, Symbolists, taught you this Doctrine, who acknowledge nothing, receive nothing, but naked and bare signes and figures.
1737. Waterland, Eucharist (ed. 2), 453. Dr. Cudworth’s notion is in no way favourable to the Figurists, or Memorialists.
