alienist

[ eyl-yuh-nist, ey-lee-uh- ]

/ ˌeɪl yə nɪst, ˌeɪ li ə- /

(formerly) a doctor specializing in the treatment of mental illness.

an expert witness in a sanity trial.

Origin of alienist

1860–65; alien(ation) + -ist; compare French aliéniste in same sense

The alienist especially has demonstrated the significant influence of childhood upon adult motives and conduct.

Rural Problems of Today |Ernest R. Groves
What is needed is abnormal psychology, entirely independent of the therapeutic interests of the alienist.

Psychotherapy |Hugo Mnsterberg
"Don't talk to me as if you were an alienist trying to examine an abstruse case, Evelina," he growled, with extreme temper.

The Tinder-Box |Maria Thompson Daviess
Well, and Rodney straightened up and said, 'Is that Randolph, the alienist!'

The Real Adventure |Henry Kitchell Webster

But there was my friend Dr. Alten, alienist, who lived within a mile of here.

Astounding Stories, April, 1931 |Various

alienist

/ (ˈeɪljənɪst, ˈeɪlɪə-) /

US a psychiatrist who specializes in the legal aspects of mental illness

obsolete a person who practises alienism

alienist

[ āl′yə-nĭst, ā′lē-ə- ]

A physician accepted by a court of law as an expert on the mental competence of principals or witnesses.