A devoted follower or advocate of Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory and its principles.
From Darwin + -ite (suffix meaning 'follower of' or 'believer in'). This term emerged in the 1870s-1880s alongside other -ite formations for scientific and philosophical adherents.
The suffix '-ite' was used for everything from religious followers (Davidite, Mormonite) to mineral types, so calling someone a 'Darwinite' gave the theory an almost religious significance—which is ironic given that evolution was seen as challenging religious belief.
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