Definitions

1. noun

A follower or supporter of Rabbi Akiva (a 1st-century Jewish scholar) and his teachings, particularly the view that God’s law is the supreme authority in Judaism.

“The rabbanist community has been at odds with the Karaites over issues of scripture and tradition.”

2. noun

A member of the rabbanite sect, a Jewish group that adheres to the oral tradition and the authority of the Talmud.