[f. as prec. + -IST.]
1. One who takes the ‘animal’ side of a discussion.
1837. P. Parley, Sun, Moon, & Stars, liv. (ed. 2), 284. Vegetablists say that it is a fungous plant … but the animalists agree in affirming it to be the altered remains of dead frogs.
2. One who holds the doctrine of animalism; a sensualist.
1813. T. Dwight, Serm., 16 Sept., 14. The Animalist [must believe] that there is good, superiour to sensual enjoyment, which must be sought and found, if he is ever to be happy beyond the grave.
1851. in Kingsley’s Lett. & Mem., I. 282. A ‘healthy animalist’ who has gone through that course of profligacy which [etc.].
3. The same as animalculist.
1874. Dunglison, Med. Dict., Animalculist, Animalist, one who attempts to explain different physiological or pathological phenomena by means of animalcules.
