1944, from vegetable (n.) + -an; coined by Donald Watson to distinguish those who abstain from all animal products (eggs, cheese, etc.) from those who merely refuse to eat the animals.
Main Entry: veg·an Pronunciation: 'vE-g&n; 'vej-&n, -"an Function: noun : a strict vegetarian : one that consumes no animal food ordairy products —veg·an·ism/'vE-g&-"niz-&m, 'vej-&-/noun