Sporting slang. [f. WALK sb.1 or v.1: see -IST 4 b.] An athlete who takes part in walking-matches, a pedestrian.
1879. H. C. Powell, Amateur Athletic Ann., 17. The reappearance on the path of J. Gomersall, at one time the champion walkist of the ‘north countree.’
1880. L. J. Jennings, Rambles among Hills, 172. A professional ‘walkist’ who goes along seeing nothing.
