[f. L. benevol-us (see prec.) + -IST.] A professor of benevolence. Cf. prec.
1815. Intelligencer, etc., 22 July, 2/4. ‘Legitimate Sovereignists,’ Cossac Societyists, Washington Benevolists, and Hartford Conventionists; Exotics, which can never flourish in the same soil with the Tree of Liberty.
1825. (title) School for Patriots and Benevolists.
1863. Scotsman, 14 Aug. To be experimented upon … by contending sets of sectarians and ‘benevolists.’
