[see -IST: cf. Fr. clubiste.]
1. A member or supporter of the political clubs of the French Revolution, or of their principles; transf. to English politics as a term of abuse.
1793. Nelson, in Nicolas, Disp. (1845), I. 321. Commander in Chief … and Captain Pasquier, both men of sound principles. Officers and men Clubbists.
1795. Burke, Regic. Peace, iv. Wks. IX. 64. The difference between the Clubbists and the old adherents to the Monarchy of this Country is hardly worth a scuffle.
1828. Blackw. Mag., XXIII. 504/1. The factious journalists, abetted by Whig clubbists.
1870. Daily News, 7 Oct., 5/6. The Débats of to-day thus protests against the clubbists.
2. A member of a club.
1848. Thackeray, Bk. Snobs, xxxix. Among the youthful Clubbists is the Lady-killing Snob.
1884. Times, 16 Sept., 12/1. He invites all Alpine clubbists who pass that way to ‘respectfully salute these witnesses of a glorious past.’
