Etymology

Noun

1. A learned Hindu, a scholar, especially having knowledge of Sanskrit, philosophy, religion and law.
2. A scholar, teacher, or learned person.
   • 1888, Rudyard Kipling, ‘On the City Wall’, In Black and White, Folio Society 2005, p. 430:

     Pundits in black gowns, with spectacles on their noses and undigested wisdom in their insides; bearded headmen of the wards; [...] all these people and more also you might find in the white room.

3. A professed expert in a particular field, as called upon to provide comment or opinion in the media.