[f. as prec., with v from the Skr. adj. vaishṇavá belonging to Vishnu.] = prec.
The form Vishnavite has had some currency.
1849. Long-Island Star, 2 Aug., 2/2. But particularly where the Vishnuvites abound, the favorite idol of Hanumen is found almost every where.
1883. Encycl. Brit., XV. 185/1. The Vishnuvites are chiefly found in the northern districts [of the Madras Presidency].
1894. F. Marion Crawford, in Century Mag., XLVII. April, 930/1. Such is the Vishnavite religion—a huge pantheon in which are collected all gods, demigods, heroes, and animals that can by any stretch of reasoning or tradition be said to have any connection whatsoever with Vishnu.
1896. Mission. Herald (Boston), Oct., 395. This evangelist … saw a Vishnuvite mendicant approaching … singing a Christian hymn. Ibid. He was singing them in place of his old Vishnuvite hymns.
