[f. as prec. + -IST.] One who practises or is skilful in controversy; one who treats a subject in a controversial manner; a disputant.
a. 1734. North, Exam., III. vi. § 116 (1740), 503. That I have taken this Author to Task, in the Quality of a Controversialist … for a Party and not Truth.
1794. Paley, Evid., I. ix. § 7 (R.). This rash and wild controversialist [Marcion].
1874. Green, Short Hist., v. § 3 (1882), 229. Wyclif … the boldest and most indefatigable of controversialists.
