[f. as prec. + -IST.] a. One who bases his theories of conduct on the emotions. b. In contemptuous use: One who is unwisely emotional, or who appeals (unworthily) to the emotions instead of the reason.
a. 1866. J. Grote, Exam. Utilit. Philos., iv. (1870), 62. He [Mill] writes … as if he were a mere emotionalist.
1882. J. Parker, Apost. Life (1884), III. 66. Would he now be called fanatic, emotionalist, enthusiast?
1888. Cosmo Monkhouse, in Academy, 23 June, 425/1. He is no professional emotionalist, making capital out of pain.
