[f. Gr. κοσμογράφ-ος describing the world (f. κόσμος world + -γράφος writing, writer) + -ER1.] One skilled or versed in cosmography; one who describes or maps the general features of the celestial and terrestrial worlds. But formerly often used as = geographer.
1527. R. Thorne, in Hakluyt, Voy. (1589), 253. The Cosmographers haue diuided the earthe by 360 degrees in latitude.
1551. Robinson, trans. More’s Utop. (Arb.), 165. The name of this yland is nowhere founde amonge the olde … cosmographers.
c. 1600. Norden, Spec. Brit., Cornw., Ded. Julius Caesar … sowght for … both exquisite Cosmographers to describe the whole Worlde: as also skilfull Geographers to deliniate … particular Countries, Kingdomes and Cities.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., VI. vii. 312. That the Globe it selfe is by Cosmographers divided into East and West.
1790. Gibbon, Misc. Wks. (1814), V. 170. By the Greek and Arabian cosmographers the first meridian was loosely placed at the Fortunate or Canary islands.
1873. Symonds, Grk. Poets, i. 32. Aratus the astronomer, Ptolemy the cosmographer.
