noun
(also praeterist)
1A person who believes that the eschatological prophecies of the Bible were fulfilled in the first cent. (or the first two, three, or four centuries) a.d.
2A person whose chief interest is in the past; a person who favours the past or past beliefs.
adjective
(also praeterist)
Of or relating to the belief that the eschatological prophecies of the Bible have already been fulfilled.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in George Faber (1773–1854), Church of England clergyman and religious writer. From preter- + -ist.
Are You Learning English? Here Are Our Top English Tips