Mēth'od-ist, n.

n. [Fr. méthodiste, It. & Sp. metodista.]

1. One who observes method. [Obs.]
2. One of an ancient school of physicians.

The opposite extreme was adopted by another sect, who, rejecting observation, founded their doctrine exclusively on reasoning and theory, and these called themselves οἱ μεθοδικοί, or the methodists. Sir W. Hamilton. 3. (Theol.) One of a sect of Christians, founded by John Wesley and his brother Charles, and so called from the exact regularity of their lives, and the strictness of their principles and rules. ☞ The name is also given to the followers of Whitefield, or Calvinistic Methodists. 4. A person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties;—sometimes so called in contempt or ridicule.