Spec"u*la`tor (?), n. [L., a spy, explorer, investigator: cf. F. spéculateur.] One who speculates. Specifically: (a) An observer; a contemplator; hence, a spy; a watcher. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

(b) One who forms theories; a theorist.

A speculator who had dared to affirm that the human soul is by nature mortal.

(c) (Com.) One who engages in speculation; one who buys and sells goods, land, etc., with the expectation of deriving profit from fluctuations in price.

Spec"u*la`tor (?), n. [L., a spy, explorer, investigator: cf. F. spéculateur.] One who speculates. Specifically: (a) An observer; a contemplator; hence, a spy; a watcher. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

(b) One who forms theories; a theorist.

A speculator who had dared to affirm that the human soul is by nature mortal.

(c) (Com.) One who engages in speculation; one who buys and sells goods, land, etc., with the expectation of deriving profit from fluctuations in price.

• One who speculates; as in investing, one who is willing to take volatile risks upon invested principle for the potential of substantial returns. See also, gambler, punter.