[mod. f. Gr. θε-ός god + -IST. Cf. F. théiste (Voltaire).] One who holds the doctrine of theism: in earlier use = DEIST; in later use, esp. as distinguished from this: see note s.v. DEIST.
1662. E. Martin, Five Lett., 45. To have said my office … twice a day … among Rebels, Theists, Atheists, Philologers, Wits, Masters of Reason, Puritanes [etc.].
a. 1679. W. Owtram, Serm. (1632), A v. What theist was ever known to live according to the principles of natural religion?
a. 1734. North, Exam., III. viii. § 11 (1740), 590. He [Oates] did but use the Privilege of a Theist or Freethinker, of which Crew, or worse, he plainly declared himself.
1820. Polwhele, in Lavington’s Enthus. Meth. & Papists, Introd. 135. The highly-polished preacher, whose audience are theophilanthropists or theists.
1870. J. H. Newman, Gram. Assent, v. § 2. 120. No one is to be called a Theist, who does not believe in a Personal God.
b. attrib. and Comb.
1711. Hickes, Two Treat. Chr. Priesth. (1847), I. 267. His atheist-ridden, or theist-ridden … mind.
1755. T. Amory, Mem. (1766), II. 107. The writings of the old theist philosophers.
