\En*cy`clo*pe"dist\, n. [Cf. F.
encyclop['e]diste.]
The compiler of an encyclopedia, or one who assists in such
compilation; also, one whose knowledge embraces the whole
range of the sciences.

{The Encyclopedists}, the writers of the great French
   encyclopedia which appeared in 1751-1772. The editors were
   Diderot and D'Alembert. Among the contributors were
   Voltaire and Rousseau.