Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Humanist \Hu"man*ist\, n. [Cf. F. humaniste.]
   1. One of the scholars who in the field of literature proper
      represented the movement of the Renaissance, and early in
      the 16th century adopted the name Humanist as their
      distinctive title. --Schaff-Herzog.

   2. One who purposes the study of the humanities, or polite
      literature.

   3. One versed in knowledge of human nature.

Source : WordNet®

humanist
     adj 1: of or pertaining to Renaissance humanism; "the humanistic
            revival of learning" [syn: {humanistic}]
     2: of or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and
        man's capacity for fulfillment through reason and
        scientific method and often rejecting religion; "the
        humanist belief in continuous emergent evolution"- Wendell
        Thomas [syn: {humanistic}]
     3: pertaining to or concerned with the humanities; "humanistic
        studies"; "a humane education" [syn: {humanistic}, {humane}]
     4: marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare;
        "a humane physician"; "released the prisoner for
        humanitarian reasons"; "respect and humanistic regard for
        all members of our species" [syn: {human-centered}, {human-centred},
         {humanistic}, {humanitarian}]

humanist
     n 1: a classical scholar or student of the liberal arts
     2: an advocate of the principles of humanism