Meanings
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1
noun
a supporter of monarchy or of a particular monarch or royal dynasty
The royalist defended the deposed king's claim to the throne.
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2
adj
supporting monarchy or a particular monarch or royal cause
Royalist officers organized resistance to the new republic.
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3
noun
historical: a supporter of King Charles I or Charles II against Parliament during the English Civil Wars
The Royalist joined the king's forces while his brother fought for Parliament.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed in the seventeenth century from royal plus -ist. Royal came through Old French from Latin regalis, 'kingly,' from rex, 'king.' The label became especially associated with supporters of the Stuart kings during the English Civil Wars before broadening to other royal causes.