[f. as prec. + -IST. Cf. F. vocaliste in sense 2.]
† 1. An utterer of words; a speaker. Obs.–1
1613. Jackson, Creed, II. iv. § 6. The ciuill Magistrates facilitie to countenance euery prating Discontent, or forthputting Vocalist.
2. A vocal musician; a singer.
1834. Ainsworth, Rookwood, II. i. Preparing himself, like certain other accomplished vocalists, with a few preliminary hems and haws.
1858. H. Spencer, Ess., I. 370. Now, in singing, this tremulousness of voice is very effectively used by some vocalists in highly pathetic passages.
1885. Stevenson, Prince Otto, II. iv. 102. She was a good vocalist; and, even in speech, her voice commanded a great range of changes.
transf. 1897. G. Allen, Typewriter Girl, viii. 86. Little vocalists … carolled songs without words in the sky overhead.
Hence Vocalistic a., pertaining to vocal music or musicians.
1884. Bazaar, 12 Dec., 629/2. Vocalistic feats … which would put to shame most of the public singers of the day.
