Chiefly U.S. [f. LOBBY + -IST.] One who frequents the lobbies of the House of Representatives in order to influence members in the exercise of their legislative functions. Also occas., a journalist or other person who frequents the lobby of the House of Commons.
1863. Cornh. Mag., Jan., 96. A Representative listening to a lobbyist.
1888. Bryce, Amer. Commw., I. xiv. 213. The arrangements of the committee system have produced and sustain the class of professional ‘lobbyists,’… who make it their business to ‘see’ members.
1894. Sat. Rev., 14 April, 383/2. The excited lobbyists who prattled last Saturday and Monday about a threatened defeat of Ministers.
So Lobbyism, the system of lobbying.
1826. Northern Sentinel, 13 Jan., 2/4. Leave to us … our freedom from bribery, corruption, lobbyism, and every other evil principle which is called into existence in the assemblage at Albany.
1883. Pall Mall Gaz., 6 Sept., 3/2. American manners, American lobbyism, and American corruption.
