[f. TELEPHONE sb. + -IST.]
a. A person employed in transmitting messages by telephone; one who works a telephone. b. One versed in telephony (rare–0).
1882. Ogilvie, Telephonist, a person versed in telephony, or who operates on the telephone.
1884. Pall Mall G., 9 May, 4/2. The female voice is always clearer, and … a clear voice … is one of the chief requirements of a telephonist.
1898. Daily News, 13 Sept., 6/5. Employed as season telephonist at the observatory on the summit of Ben Nevis.
