a. [f. next + -IC.] Devoted to the learning of useful matters.
1819. Q. Rev., XXI. 169. The head of a chrestomathic school.
1834–47. Southey, Doctor, ccxxviii. (D.). Which the said Jeremy [Bentham] proposes should form part of the course of studies in his Chrestomathic school.
b. subst. in pl.
1826. Blackw. Mag., XIX. 197. Ethics, or Chrestomathics, or Politics, or Political Economy.
