En*thu"si*ast (?), n. [Gr. ?: cf. F.
enthousiaste.] One moved or actuated by enthusiasm; as:
(a) One who imagines himself divinely inspired, or
possessed of some special revelation; a religious madman; a fanatic.
(b) One whose mind is wholly possessed and heated by
what engages it; one who is influenced by a peculiar; fervor of mind;
an ardent and imaginative person.
Enthusiasts soon understand each
other.
W. Irving.
Syn. -- Visionary; fanatic; devotee; zealot.