Late 16th century; earliest use found in Abraham Fleming (c1552–1607), author, literary editor, and Church of England clergyman. From post-classical Latin Pythagorista or its etymon ancient Greek Πυθαγοριστής follower of Pythagoras (also occasionally derogatory) from Πυθαγόρας, the name of Pythagoras + -ιστής, after Πυθαγορίζειν.