Budgell, Eustace, 1686-1737, English essayist. He was a cousin of Addison, through whose aid he obtained several public offices. Budgell contributed to the Tatler, the Spectator, the Guardian, and wrote pamphlets against the ministry in the Craftsman. He lost a fortune in the collapse of the South Sea Bubble and later was on the losing end of a controversy involving money left him by Matthew Tindal. He committed suicide.