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methodist

1. One who observes method.

2. One of an ancient school of physicians who rejected observation and founded their practice on reasoning and theory.

3. One of a sect of Christians, the outgrowth of a small association called the Holy Club, formed at Oxford university, A.D. 1729, of which the most conspicuous members were john Wesley and his brother Charles; originally so called from the methodical strictness of members of the club in all religious duties.

4. A person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties; sometimes so called in contempt or ridicule.

Origin: Cf. F. Methodiste. See Method.