Definition of "controvertist" [con•tro•ver•tist]

• One skilled in or given to controversy; a controversialist. (noun)

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• "But, whether it be, that “small things make mean men proud,” and vanity catches small occasions; or that all contrariety of opinion, even in those that can defend it no longer, makes proud men angry; there is often found in commentaries a spontaneous strain of invective and contempt, more eager and venomous than is vented by the most furious controvertist in politicks against those whom he is hired to defame."
• "For that which we have among his writings, is the performance of some other Catholic controvertist of the same age, as the learned agree."
• "He became a prominent member of the whig party, and was everywhere known as the brilliant orator and successful controvertist of the Scott campaign of 1852."