from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Methodist \Meth"o*dist\, n. [Cf. F. m['e]thodiste. See
{Method}.]
1. One who observes method. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
2. One of an ancient school of physicians who rejected
observation and founded their practice on reasoning and
theory. --Sir W. Hamilton.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Theol.) One of a sect of Christians, the outgrowth of a
small association called the "Holy Club," formed at Oxford
University, a. d. 1729, of which the most conspicuous
members were John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley;
-- originally so called from the methodical strictness of
members of the club in all religious duties.
[1913 Webster]
4. A person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact
observance of religious duties; -- sometimes so called in
contempt or ridicule.
[1913 Webster]