Also 5–7 theologe, 6–9 thoolog. [ad. L. theolog-us, a. Gr. θεολόγος one who treats, or gives an account, of the gods (e.g., Hesiod, Orpheus), or of God; f. θεός God + λέγειν to discourse: see -LOGUE. Before c. 1600 app. only Sc.: cf. ASTROLOGUE.]
1. = THEOLOGIAN. Now rare.
c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., IX. xxi. 2337 (MS. Cott.). Master Henry of Wardlaw … A theologe solempneȝ was he Kende, and knawyn of gret bownte.
c. 1470. Henryson, Orpheus & Eur., 422. Doctor nycholas Quhilk in his tyme a noble theologe was.
1508. Dunbar, Lament for Makaris, 38. Art, magicianis, and astrologgis, Rethoris, logicianis, & theologgis.
1605. Timme, Quersit., Ded. 1. Moses, that auncient theologue.
1682. H. More, Annot. Glanvill’s Lux O., 62. The dry Dreams … of earthly either Philosophers or Theologs.
1693. Phil. Trans., XVII. 807. A bad Astronomer, a worse Theologe, and the worst of all Physiologers.
a. 1734. North, Exam., III. ix. § 7 (1740), 652. It is not for a Layman to act the Theologue.
1859. I. Taylor, Logic in Theol., 147. The writings of the great theologue of Bethlehem, Jerome.
2. A theological student. U.S. colloq.
(Prob. after Ger. theolog.)
1663. Blair, Autobiog., ii. (1848), 42. My refusal would very much grieve all the young theologues.
1810–6. O’Conor, Columbanus’ Lett., vi. 111. Barrister Theologues of the poddle!
1884. Jrnl. Educ., XIX. 327. The theologs who graduate from Lombard will stand high in their profession.
