Late 17th century; earliest use found in Some Advices. From the name of Pierre Gassendi, French astronomer and philosopher + -ist, probably after French Gassendiste.
Definition of Gassendist in US English:
Gassendist
nounɡaˈsɛndɪst
A follower of Gassendi or his ideas.
Origin
Late 17th century; earliest use found in Some Advices. From the name of Pierre Gassendi, French astronomer and philosopher + -ist, probably after French Gassendiste.