The"o*rist (?), n. [Cf. F. th'eoriste.]
One who forms theories; one given to theory and speculation; a speculatist.
Cowper.
The greatest theoretists have given the preference to such a government as that which obtains in this kingdom.
Addison.
<-- 2. A scientist who forms theories about natural phenomena, based on the data gathered by others, rather than himself performing experiments to test the theories. Contrasted with experimentalist. -->
© Webster 1913.