Spec"u*la`tor (?), n. [L., a spy, explorer, investigator: cf. F. sp'eculateur.]
One who speculates. Specifically: (a) An observer; a contemplator; hence, a spy; a watcher.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.
(b)
One who forms theories; a theorist
.
A speculator who had dared to affirm that the human soul is by nature mortal.
Macaulay.
(c) Com.
One who engages in speculation; one who buys and sells goods, land, etc., with the expectation of deriving profit from fluctuations in price.
© Webster 1913.