[f. BAAL + -IST.] A worshipper of Baal: transf. a worshipper of false gods or idols, an idolater. (Opprobriously, = Romanist.)
a. 1603. T. Cartwright, Confut. Rhem. N. T. (1618), 134. Baalists … calling for fire to bee sent.
a. 1618. Sylvester, Tobacco Batt., 190 (D.). Tobacco’s smoakie-mists … from the Iberian Baalists.
1642. N. Warton, in Archæol., XXXV. 332 (D.). Our soildiers could not forbeare dauncing in the holie quire, whereat the Baalists were sore displeased.
