a. and sb. [f. prec. + -AN.]

1

  A.  adj. a. Embracing the whole circle of learning; comprising a wide range of subjects. b. Of the nature of or resembling an encyclopædia.

2

1837.  New Monthly Mag., XLIX. 439. A work of this order … is in its nature encyclopædian.

3

  B.  sb.

4

  † 1.  = ENCYCLOPÆDIST 1 b. Obs. rare–1.

5

1834.  Beckford, Italy, II. 249. These smooth-tongued, Frenchified, Italian, Voltaireists and encyclopedians have poisoned all sound doctrine.

6

  ¶ 2.  app. = ENCYCLOPÆDIA 1. [? Meant for a Gr. accusative.]

7

1621.  Burton, Anat. Mel., I. ii. III. xv. (1651), 132. Let them have that Encyclopædian, all the learning in the world.

8