Noun

(en noun)

A learned person in India; someone with knowledge of Sanskrit, philosophy, religion and law; a Hindu scholar.

* 1888 , (Rudyard Kipling), ‘On the City Wall’, In Black and White , Folio Society 2005, p. 430:

Pundits in black gowns, with spectacles on their noses and undigested wisdom in their insides; bearded headmen of the wards; [...] all these people and more also you might find in the white room.

(historical) A native surveyor in British India, trained to carry out clandestine surveillance beyond British borders.

* 1990 , (Peter Hopkirk), The Great Game , Folio Society 2010, p. 295:

At every hundredth pace the Pundit would automatically slip one bead. Each complete circuit of the rosary thus represented ten thousand paces.

A self-professed expert in a particular field, especially as called upon to provide comment or opinion in the media; a commentator, a critic.

* 2006 , The Observer , 4 Jun 2006:

This week we introduce Jenny Walker, who will be The Observer's expert pundit for the duration of the World Cup.

Noun

(en noun)

A religious clergyman who is trained to perform services or sacrifices at a church or temple.

* , chapter=10

, title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.}}

A blunt tool, used for quickly stunning and killing fish.

(Mormonism) The highest office in the Aaronic priesthood.