Latin philosophaster, from philosophus ‎(“philosopher”), and -aster ‎(“expressing incomplete resemblance”).

1. noun a pretender to philosophy; a petty or charlatan philosopher.

Not to be confused with Philosopher or Philosophe

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A satirical comedy in Latin by Robert Burton, written from 1606-1615. Some Philosphasters featured in the play are:

• Polupragmaticus – a Jesuit priest who defrauded noblemen in the guise of a teacher, politician, courtier, theologian, or magician.
• Pantomagus – an alchemist and physician who plied fake medicines. He also deceived a nobleman into believing that he could produce mountains of gold through the practice of alchemy. He would disappear when he had bankrupted a household.
• Pedanus – a teacher of grammar who obtained by deception two livings or ecclesiastical posts and was plotting to become the Duke’s chaplain.
• Amphimacer – a poetaster or sham poet who composed certain silly poems for his mistress and anyone else.
• Theanus, a theologaster or sham theologian who was lazy and idle.