savants

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Savant \Sa`vant"\, n.; pl. {Savants} (F. ?; E. ?). [F., fr.
   savoir to know, L. sapere. See {Sage}, a.]
   A man of learning; one versed in literature or science; a
   person eminent for acquirements.
   [1913 Webster]