A person who practices or specializes in excavation, especially in archaeology or earth-moving work.
From 'excavation' + '-ist' (one who practices). This noun emerged in the 19th century as archaeology became professionalized and needed terms for its practitioners.
The '-ist' suffix is like a professional badge in English—an excavationist is someone for whom digging is a whole identity and career. It's what separates casual hole-diggers from the serious professionals.
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