Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Methodist
1.
One who observes method.
[Obs.]
2.
One of an ancient school of physicians who rejected observation and founded their practice on reasoning and theory.
Sir W. Hamilton.
3.
(Theol.)
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 Wesley
; – 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.
Meth′o-dist
,Adj.
Of or pertaining to the sect of Methodists;
as,
Methodist
hymns; a Methodist
elder.Webster 1828 Edition
Methodist
METH'ODIST
,Noun.
1.
One of a sect of christians, founded by Morgan, or rather by John Wesley, and so called from the exact regularity of their lives, and the strictness of their principles and rules.2.
A physician who practices by method or theory.3.
In the cant of irreligious men, a person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties.