Arabist

The story

From Arab + -ist.

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. A scholar who studies Arab or Arabic culture, politics, or language.
• from 18th c. One who followed the Arabic system of medicine or (more broadly) scholarship.
• from 20th c. One that wants to spread Arabic culture; an Arab nationalist.
• from 19th c. Pertaining to Arabism; medieval Arabic scholarship.
• from 19th c. Pertaining to the study of Arabic language or culture.
• from 20th c. Pertaining to Arab nationalism; promoting Arab interests.