1. people who study or practice Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism
Usage: religious; mysticism
2. people who engage in secret schemes or conspiracies
Usage: often pejorative

Examples

• Medieval cabalists developed complex interpretations of sacred texts.
• The cabalists spent years studying ancient Hebrew manuscripts.
• Some cabalists believed in the mystical power of numbers and letters.
• The political cabalists met secretly to plan their strategy.
• Critics accused the group of being cabalists working against the government.
• Modern cabalists continue to explore Jewish mystical traditions.