| 1. | (formerly) a minister who rode horseback from place to place to preach and perform religious ceremonies. |
| 2. | someone, as a public official or a nurse, who travels throughout a given territory to provide services. |
| circuit rider n. A cleric who travels from church to church, especially in a rural district. |
circuit rider
Methodist ministerial role that was originated in England by John Wesley. The first of the American circuit riders was Robert Strawbridge, who arrived in the colonies in 1764. A few years later Wesley sent missionaries to the American colonies, but most of them departed when revolution threatened. One who remained was Francis Asbury, who, as Wesley's general assistant, was responsible for organizing the circuits
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