The following dates are for the first reference in the English Language according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Generally, references after the year 1800 have been omitted. The heresies are in alphabetical order. Secondary sources are in red.
The following flowcharts are helpful in determining the nature of heresies.
Adoptionism
A Christological theory which states that Jesus Christ is the son of God only by adoption, and is not coeternal with the Father. Also called dynamic monarchianism. Adoptionism has been proposed in various forms since at least the 2nd cent. a.d. (when it was condemned as heresy by Pope Victor I). The most prominent espousal of Adoptionism was in 8th-cent. Spain, by the followers of Elipandus, bishop of Cordoba, and Felix, bishop of Urgell.
1833 J. H. Newman Arians 4th Cent. Contents p. ix,
Adoptionism.
1841 E. Cox tr. J. J. I. Döllinger Hist. Church III. iii. ii. 61
Charlemagne twice sent the archbishops Leidrad of Lyons, and Nefrid of Narbonne, and Benedict, abbot of Aniana, into the countries infected with Adoptionism.
1850 J. Torrey tr. A. Neander Gen. Hist. Christian Relig. & Church VI. (revised ed.) 214
In his [sc. Felix of Urgell's] commentaries we find no trace of Adoptianism [Ger. Adoptianismus], but rather the contrary.
1874 J. H. Blunt Dict. Sects 8
By contemporaries Adoptionism was regarded as identical with..Nestorianism.
1910 Amer. Jrnl. Theol. 14 270
The young Augustine was reared in a circle which was still Adoptionist... His piety continued to be the piety of Adoptionism.
1953 Catholic Hist. Rev. 39 130
Adoptionism, the doctrine that the human Christ may be called God only by accommodation, that He is not the unique, only-begotten, consubstantial Son of the Father.
2005 G. Childs Secrets Esoteric Christianity 16/1
Another kind of Adoptionism concerns those who believe that Jesus of Nazareth was purely human until his baptism in the River Jordan.
1833 J. H. Newman Arians 4th Cent. Contents p. ix,
Adoptionism.
1841 E. Cox tr. J. J. I. Döllinger Hist. Church III. iii. ii. 61
Charlemagne twice sent the archbishops Leidrad of Lyons, and Nefrid of Narbonne, and Benedict, abbot of Aniana, into the countries infected with Adoptionism.
1850 J. Torrey tr. A. Neander Gen. Hist. Christian Relig. & Church VI. (revised ed.) 214
In his [sc. Felix of Urgell's] commentaries we find no trace of Adoptianism [Ger. Adoptianismus], but rather the contrary.
1874 J. H. Blunt Dict. Sects 8
By contemporaries Adoptionism was regarded as identical with..Nestorianism.
1910 Amer. Jrnl. Theol. 14 270
The young Augustine was reared in a circle which was still Adoptionist... His piety continued to be the piety of Adoptionism.
1953 Catholic Hist. Rev. 39 130
Adoptionism, the doctrine that the human Christ may be called God only by accommodation, that He is not the unique, only-begotten, consubstantial Son of the Father.
2005 G. Childs Secrets Esoteric Christianity 16/1
Another kind of Adoptionism concerns those who believe that Jesus of Nazareth was purely human until his baptism in the River Jordan.
Apollinaris died circa 390.
Apollinarian doctrine is condemned at the Council of Florence, 11th Session, 1442.
Apollinarian, adj. and n.
Etymology: < Latin Apollināris of Apollo; also a proper name + -an suffix.
A. adj.1. Sacred to or in honour of Apollo.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl., The Apollinarian games.
2. Of or pertaining to Apollinaris of Laodicea, a noted heretic of the 4th c., who held peculiar opinions on the Incarnation.
1659 J. Pearson Expos. Creed (1864) 281 The Apollinarian heresy.
B. n. An adherent of the opinions of Apollinaris.
1607 T. Rogers Faith, Doctr., & Relig. 6 Some will haue a Quaternitie of persons, not a Trinitie..so..the Apollinarians did hold.
Apollinarian, adj. and n.
Etymology: < Latin Apollināris of Apollo; also a proper name + -an suffix.
A. adj.1. Sacred to or in honour of Apollo.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl., The Apollinarian games.
2. Of or pertaining to Apollinaris of Laodicea, a noted heretic of the 4th c., who held peculiar opinions on the Incarnation.
1659 J. Pearson Expos. Creed (1864) 281 The Apollinarian heresy.
B. n. An adherent of the opinions of Apollinaris.
1607 T. Rogers Faith, Doctr., & Relig. 6 Some will haue a Quaternitie of persons, not a Trinitie..so..the Apollinarians did hold.
Arius lived from 250/6 to 336.
Arianism, n.
Etymology: < Arian n.2 and adj.2 + -ism suffix. Compare French arianisme.
The Arian doctrine or heresy.
a1600 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie vii. viii, in Wks. (1662) 23 The Church of Alexandria in Egypt, where Arianisme begun.
1781 Gibbon Decline & Fall III. 20 The opinions of Arianism might satisfy a cold and speculative mind.
Etymology: < Arian n.2 and adj.2 + -ism suffix. Compare French arianisme.
The Arian doctrine or heresy.
a1600 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie vii. viii, in Wks. (1662) 23 The Church of Alexandria in Egypt, where Arianisme begun.
1781 Gibbon Decline & Fall III. 20 The opinions of Arianism might satisfy a cold and speculative mind.
Basilides taught from 117 to 138
Of, pertaining to, or derived from, Basilides, an Alexandrian Gnostic of the 2nd century.
1877 W. Jones Finger-ring Lore 113 The Gnostic or Basilidian gems, evidently used for magical purposes.
One of his disciples or followers.
1585 T. Rogers Eng. Creede: 1st Pt. (new ed.) 42 Some vtterly reiect al grace, virtue, and feate of God, as did..the Basilidians.
1860 T. A. G. Balfour Typ. Char. Nature 120 The Basilideans believed that Simon the Cyrenian was crucified in the room of Christ.
1877 W. Jones Finger-ring Lore 113 The Gnostic or Basilidian gems, evidently used for magical purposes.
One of his disciples or followers.
1585 T. Rogers Eng. Creede: 1st Pt. (new ed.) 42 Some vtterly reiect al grace, virtue, and feate of God, as did..the Basilidians.
1860 T. A. G. Balfour Typ. Char. Nature 120 The Basilideans believed that Simon the Cyrenian was crucified in the room of Christ.
Bogomils
A member of a heretical Bulgarian sect which arose in the 10th or 11th century, whose main tenet was that God the Father had two sons, Satan and Christ.
1574 R. Bristow Briefe Treat. Plaine Wayes To Rdr. sig. ivv,
In the twelfth hundred [year after Christ], the Bogomili, the Petrobusians, the Apostolikes.
1841 Penny Cycl. XX. 271/1
The sect of the Bogomiles, which was well known in the Greek empire.
1887 M. Gaster Ilchester Lect. Greeko-Slavonic Lit. 20
Nikita, the bishop of the Bogomils of Constantinople.
1920 Q. Rev. Jan. 71 He invited the Bogomile heretic, Basil, to a private colloquy.
1574 R. Bristow Briefe Treat. Plaine Wayes To Rdr. sig. ivv,
In the twelfth hundred [year after Christ], the Bogomili, the Petrobusians, the Apostolikes.
1841 Penny Cycl. XX. 271/1
The sect of the Bogomiles, which was well known in the Greek empire.
1887 M. Gaster Ilchester Lect. Greeko-Slavonic Lit. 20
Nikita, the bishop of the Bogomils of Constantinople.
1920 Q. Rev. Jan. 71 He invited the Bogomile heretic, Basil, to a private colloquy.
Catharism flourished in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Cathar, n.
Forms: Also Cathare. Pl. Cathars, ‖ Cathari.
Etymology:
< medieval Latin Cathari: see Catharan n. = Catharan n. Also used attrib. or as adj.
1637 G. Gillespie Dispute against Eng.-Popish Ceremonies ii. v. 24 The old Waldenses before us, were also named by their adversaries, Cathares or Puritanes.
Catharism, n.
Etymology: < N.-T. Greek καθαρισμός purification, < καθαρίζειν to make clean.
1. The doctrine of the Catharists.
1573 T. Cartwright Replye to Answere Whitgifte 58
Vncharitable suspitions of papisme, anabaptisme, catharisme, donatisme, &c.
1574 J. Whitgift Def. Aunswere to Admon. i. 75
That very perfection..whiche you chalenge vnto your selues..well deserueth the name of Catharisme.
Catharist, n.
Etymology: < medieval Latin Catharistae (= Greek καθαρισταί, < καθαρίζειν to purify). Compare French Cathariste.
A Paulician or Manichæan; also applied to similar sects; cf. Catharan n.
1600 M. Sutcliffe Briefe Replie to Libel ii. iii. 52
The Catharistes do boast much of their merits.
1617 J. Donne Serm. (1953) I. 186
The Catharists thought no creatures of God pure, and therefore they brought in strange ceremonial purifications of those Creatures.
1630 W. Prynne Lame Giles 12
The Novatian Catherist.
1645 Milton Tetrachordon 4
Like the vermin of an Indian Catharist, which his fond religion forbids him to molest.
Forms: Also Cathare. Pl. Cathars, ‖ Cathari.
Etymology:
< medieval Latin Cathari: see Catharan n. = Catharan n. Also used attrib. or as adj.
1637 G. Gillespie Dispute against Eng.-Popish Ceremonies ii. v. 24 The old Waldenses before us, were also named by their adversaries, Cathares or Puritanes.
Catharism, n.
Etymology: < N.-T. Greek καθαρισμός purification, < καθαρίζειν to make clean.
1. The doctrine of the Catharists.
1573 T. Cartwright Replye to Answere Whitgifte 58
Vncharitable suspitions of papisme, anabaptisme, catharisme, donatisme, &c.
1574 J. Whitgift Def. Aunswere to Admon. i. 75
That very perfection..whiche you chalenge vnto your selues..well deserueth the name of Catharisme.
Catharist, n.
Etymology: < medieval Latin Catharistae (= Greek καθαρισταί, < καθαρίζειν to purify). Compare French Cathariste.
A Paulician or Manichæan; also applied to similar sects; cf. Catharan n.
1600 M. Sutcliffe Briefe Replie to Libel ii. iii. 52
The Catharistes do boast much of their merits.
1617 J. Donne Serm. (1953) I. 186
The Catharists thought no creatures of God pure, and therefore they brought in strange ceremonial purifications of those Creatures.
1630 W. Prynne Lame Giles 12
The Novatian Catherist.
1645 Milton Tetrachordon 4
Like the vermin of an Indian Catharist, which his fond religion forbids him to molest.
Docetae
Etymology:
medieval Latin < Greek Δοκηταί, < δοκεῖν to seem, appear.
With pl. concord. An early sect of heretics, who held that Christ's body was not human, but either a phantom, or of real but celestial substance.
1818–21 J. Pye Smith Script. Test. Messiah (1829) III. iv. 134
The doctrines of the Docetæ.
1831 E. Burton Lect. Eccl. Hist. i. xii. 384
The earliest Gnostics,..called Docetæ, believed the body of Jesus to have been..either a mere optical illusion, or,..something ethereal and impalpable.
Forms: Also Doketism.
Etymology: formed as Docete n. + -ism suffix.
The doctrine or views of the Docetæ.
1846 ‘G. Eliot’ tr. D. F. Strauss Life Jesus I. i. v. 274
To say..that the food which he took did not serve for the nourishment..of his body by real assimilation..would strike every one as Docetism.
1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity II. iv. vii. 166
A kind of Docetism..asserting the unreality of the body of the Saviour.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul II. x. liii. 519
There may be a silent condemnation of incipient Docetism in ἄνθρωπος (1 Tim. ii. 5).
1882 A. Cave & J. S. Banks tr. I. A. Dorner Syst. Christ. Doctr. III. 206
The finest form of Doketism.
medieval Latin < Greek Δοκηταί, < δοκεῖν to seem, appear.
With pl. concord. An early sect of heretics, who held that Christ's body was not human, but either a phantom, or of real but celestial substance.
1818–21 J. Pye Smith Script. Test. Messiah (1829) III. iv. 134
The doctrines of the Docetæ.
1831 E. Burton Lect. Eccl. Hist. i. xii. 384
The earliest Gnostics,..called Docetæ, believed the body of Jesus to have been..either a mere optical illusion, or,..something ethereal and impalpable.
Forms: Also Doketism.
Etymology: formed as Docete n. + -ism suffix.
The doctrine or views of the Docetæ.
1846 ‘G. Eliot’ tr. D. F. Strauss Life Jesus I. i. v. 274
To say..that the food which he took did not serve for the nourishment..of his body by real assimilation..would strike every one as Docetism.
1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity II. iv. vii. 166
A kind of Docetism..asserting the unreality of the body of the Saviour.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul II. x. liii. 519
There may be a silent condemnation of incipient Docetism in ἄνθρωπος (1 Tim. ii. 5).
1882 A. Cave & J. S. Banks tr. I. A. Dorner Syst. Christ. Doctr. III. 206
The finest form of Doketism.
Donatism
The doctrine or principles of the Donatists.
1588 J. Udall Demonstr. Trueth of Discipline (Arb.) 64
It is a kind of Donatisme to challenge such authoritie ouer princes.
1709 J. Johnson Clergy-man's Vade Mecum: Pt. II 188
A bishop converted from Donatism.
1588 J. Udall Demonstr. Trueth of Discipline (Arb.) 64
It is a kind of Donatisme to challenge such authoritie ouer princes.
1709 J. Johnson Clergy-man's Vade Mecum: Pt. II 188
A bishop converted from Donatism.
Ebionites
One of a body of Christians in the 1st c., who held that Jesus was a mere man, and that the Mosaic Law was binding upon Christians. In the 2nd c. they became a distinct sect. Also attrib.
1650 R. Gell Αγγελοκρατια Θεου 11
Ebionites, who denied the Deitie of Christ.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul II. ix. xxxiii. 103
Ebionite hatred [was] still burning against St. Paul in the second century.
1882 F. W. Farrar Early Days Christianity II. 343.
1650 R. Gell Αγγελοκρατια Θεου 11
Ebionites, who denied the Deitie of Christ.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul II. ix. xxxiii. 103
Ebionite hatred [was] still burning against St. Paul in the second century.
1882 F. W. Farrar Early Days Christianity II. 343.
Euchites/ Messalians
1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. xiv. 231
Giue our selues onely to praier. That is the error of the Euchites.
1621 J. Mayer Eng. Catech.
It [the Christian soule] will rather become an Euchet, by being continually lifted up in prayer.
1736 N. Bailey et al. Dict. Britannicum (ed. 2)
Euchites,..an ancient sect of hereticks, thus denominated on account of their praying without ceasing.
1883 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. II. 1478
Massalians, a Christian sect, which soon obtained other names,—Euchites.
Church Hist.
A. n.
A member of a Christian movement of dualistic tendency of 4th-cent. Near Eastern origin, frequently regarded as heretical, which rejected the efficacy of the sacraments and good works, regarding prayer as essential to salvation; a member of one of the later heterodox or marginal movements supposedly related to this. Also called Euchite.
α.
[1555 N. Ridley Brief Declar. Lordes Supper sig. A6,
Al do deteste, abhorre & condemne ye wicked heresie of yeMessalonianes, which other wise be called Eutichetes, which said, yt ye holy Sacrament can nother do good nor harme.]
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare 85
In deede the Messalians, whom Amphilochius suppressed, were Heretiques, the Fathers of many idle swarmes, yet remaininge in the worlde.
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1637) 380
If your lippes be not alwayes going, which was the heresie of the Messalians.
1702 C. Beaumont J. Beaumont's Psyche (new ed.) xviii. clxxii. 280
Curs'd Arians, Colluthians.., Messalians, Luciferians, Agnoites, [etc.].
1833 T. Moore Trav. Irish Gentleman in Search Relig. I. 262
The Messalians..imagined that the whole atmosphere was brimful of devils.
1859 E. T. Hiscox Baptist Church Directory vii. 244
During the two first centuries, Messalians, Euchites, Montanists, were the names by which some of these sects were known.
1926 Harvard Theol. Rev. 19 (title)
The Messalians, and the Discovery of their Ascetic Book.
β.
1722 J. Bingham Origines Ecclesiasticæ IX. 65
The Massalians or Euchites [kept Sunday as a fast].
1880 Encycl. Brit. XI. 782/2
Hesychasts (..sometimes referred to as Euchites, Massalians, or Palamites), a quietistic sect.
B. adj.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the Messalians.
α.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare 86
This is not the Messalian Monkes heresie, but S. Augustines, and the Catholique faithe.
1983 Patristic & Byzantine Rev. 2 27
It is obvious that the writings of Macarius-Symeon were read in Messalian circles.
1991 Oxf. Dict. Byzantium 1350/1
Extreme monastic asceticism in Syria and Mesopotamia had much in common with Messalian practice.
β.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxiv. 217
We..should be like those Massilian heretiques which doe nothing else but pray.
1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 127
He was..disrelisht by them who inclined to the Massilian and Arminian Tenets.
1884 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. III. 2152/1
The Massilian monks are described as holding, that by faith and baptism any one can be saved, if he only will.
1949 Speculum 24 464
In the reviewer's opinion, Paulician and Massalian, rather than Manichaean, elements underlie the Bogomil heresy.
Giue our selues onely to praier. That is the error of the Euchites.
1621 J. Mayer Eng. Catech.
It [the Christian soule] will rather become an Euchet, by being continually lifted up in prayer.
1736 N. Bailey et al. Dict. Britannicum (ed. 2)
Euchites,..an ancient sect of hereticks, thus denominated on account of their praying without ceasing.
1883 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. II. 1478
Massalians, a Christian sect, which soon obtained other names,—Euchites.
Church Hist.
A. n.
A member of a Christian movement of dualistic tendency of 4th-cent. Near Eastern origin, frequently regarded as heretical, which rejected the efficacy of the sacraments and good works, regarding prayer as essential to salvation; a member of one of the later heterodox or marginal movements supposedly related to this. Also called Euchite.
α.
[1555 N. Ridley Brief Declar. Lordes Supper sig. A6,
Al do deteste, abhorre & condemne ye wicked heresie of yeMessalonianes, which other wise be called Eutichetes, which said, yt ye holy Sacrament can nother do good nor harme.]
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare 85
In deede the Messalians, whom Amphilochius suppressed, were Heretiques, the Fathers of many idle swarmes, yet remaininge in the worlde.
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1637) 380
If your lippes be not alwayes going, which was the heresie of the Messalians.
1702 C. Beaumont J. Beaumont's Psyche (new ed.) xviii. clxxii. 280
Curs'd Arians, Colluthians.., Messalians, Luciferians, Agnoites, [etc.].
1833 T. Moore Trav. Irish Gentleman in Search Relig. I. 262
The Messalians..imagined that the whole atmosphere was brimful of devils.
1859 E. T. Hiscox Baptist Church Directory vii. 244
During the two first centuries, Messalians, Euchites, Montanists, were the names by which some of these sects were known.
1926 Harvard Theol. Rev. 19 (title)
The Messalians, and the Discovery of their Ascetic Book.
β.
1722 J. Bingham Origines Ecclesiasticæ IX. 65
The Massalians or Euchites [kept Sunday as a fast].
1880 Encycl. Brit. XI. 782/2
Hesychasts (..sometimes referred to as Euchites, Massalians, or Palamites), a quietistic sect.
B. adj.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the Messalians.
α.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare 86
This is not the Messalian Monkes heresie, but S. Augustines, and the Catholique faithe.
1983 Patristic & Byzantine Rev. 2 27
It is obvious that the writings of Macarius-Symeon were read in Messalian circles.
1991 Oxf. Dict. Byzantium 1350/1
Extreme monastic asceticism in Syria and Mesopotamia had much in common with Messalian practice.
β.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxiv. 217
We..should be like those Massilian heretiques which doe nothing else but pray.
1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 127
He was..disrelisht by them who inclined to the Massilian and Arminian Tenets.
1884 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. III. 2152/1
The Massilian monks are described as holding, that by faith and baptism any one can be saved, if he only will.
1949 Speculum 24 464
In the reviewer's opinion, Paulician and Massalian, rather than Manichaean, elements underlie the Bogomil heresy.
Eutychianism
Of, pertaining to, or adhering to the doctrine of Eutyches, a presbyter of Constantinople, in the 5th cent., who maintained that the human nature of Christ was lost in the divine.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 187
The Eutychian heresie..denyed the trueth of Christes body after the adunation therof to the Diuinitie.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie (1636) i. ii. 176
The Armenians are iudged by manie to be Eutichean heretickes.
1724 D. Waterland Crit. Hist. Athanasian Creed vii. 103
It cannot reasonably be set lower than the Eutychian times.
B. n.
A member of the Eutychian sect.
1556 J. Clement in J. Strype Eccl. Mem. III. App. lxi, 214
From all Arians, Eutichians..and all other heretikes.
1882 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. I. 775
The measures which were employed against the Eutychians were rather harsh.
Euˈtychianism
n. the Eutychian heresy.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Langs. & Relig. (1614) xxi. 152
Eutichianisme so mightely preuailed in those parts.
1846 G. S. Faber Lett. Tractar. Secess. 192
The Eutychianism which Dr. Moehler would make the badge of..the Protestant System.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 187
The Eutychian heresie..denyed the trueth of Christes body after the adunation therof to the Diuinitie.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie (1636) i. ii. 176
The Armenians are iudged by manie to be Eutichean heretickes.
1724 D. Waterland Crit. Hist. Athanasian Creed vii. 103
It cannot reasonably be set lower than the Eutychian times.
B. n.
A member of the Eutychian sect.
1556 J. Clement in J. Strype Eccl. Mem. III. App. lxi, 214
From all Arians, Eutichians..and all other heretikes.
1882 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. I. 775
The measures which were employed against the Eutychians were rather harsh.
Euˈtychianism
n. the Eutychian heresy.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Langs. & Relig. (1614) xxi. 152
Eutichianisme so mightely preuailed in those parts.
1846 G. S. Faber Lett. Tractar. Secess. 192
The Eutychianism which Dr. Moehler would make the badge of..the Protestant System.
Huss lived from 1364 to 1415.
Hussite, n.
Etymology: < modern Latin Hussīta (usually plural), < the surname of John Huss, or Hus (an abbreviation of the name of his native village Husinec, lit. ‘goose-pen’, in Bohemia).
a. A follower of John Huss, the Bohemian religious reformer of the 15th century.
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 352/2
In Boheme the Hussites, in England the wicliffystes.
1621 J. Taylor Motto in Wks. (1630) ii. 45/1
Of Romish Catholike, or Protestant: Of Brownist, Hussite or of Caluinist.
1641 Milton Reason Church-govt. 24
As at first by those of your tribe they were call'd Lollards and Hussites, so now by you be term'd Puritans, and Brownists.
b. attrib. or adj.
1838 Penny Cycl. XII. 361/1
The Emperor Sigismund..agreed that the Hussite priests should be tolerated, even at court.
1883 Athenæum 17 Nov. 631/1
In the fifteenth century we find traces of Hussite teaching and Hussite communities scattered throughout the whole of the land.
Etymology: < modern Latin Hussīta (usually plural), < the surname of John Huss, or Hus (an abbreviation of the name of his native village Husinec, lit. ‘goose-pen’, in Bohemia).
a. A follower of John Huss, the Bohemian religious reformer of the 15th century.
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 352/2
In Boheme the Hussites, in England the wicliffystes.
1621 J. Taylor Motto in Wks. (1630) ii. 45/1
Of Romish Catholike, or Protestant: Of Brownist, Hussite or of Caluinist.
1641 Milton Reason Church-govt. 24
As at first by those of your tribe they were call'd Lollards and Hussites, so now by you be term'd Puritans, and Brownists.
b. attrib. or adj.
1838 Penny Cycl. XII. 361/1
The Emperor Sigismund..agreed that the Hussite priests should be tolerated, even at court.
1883 Athenæum 17 Nov. 631/1
In the fifteenth century we find traces of Hussite teaching and Hussite communities scattered throughout the whole of the land.
Julian, 6th century
One of a sect of Monophysites, named after their leader Julian, bishop of Halicarnassus early in the 6th century.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 272
Preposterous Julian birth, from whom came the Julianists.
1874 J. H. Blunt Dict. Sects (1886) 38/2
Called, in Armenia and its neighbourhood, Julianists.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 272
Preposterous Julian birth, from whom came the Julianists.
1874 J. H. Blunt Dict. Sects (1886) 38/2
Called, in Armenia and its neighbourhood, Julianists.
Luther lived from 1483 to 1546.
Lutheran, adj. and n.
Forms: Also 15 lutherane.
Etymology: < proper name Luther + -an suffix.
A. adj. Pertaining to the German reformer Martin Luther (1483–1546), his opinions and followers.
In the 16th c. the designation was used by Roman Catholic writers as coextensive with Protestant n. and adj.; applied, e.g., to the reformed Church of England. Now chiefly applied to doctrinal views held by Luther in opposition to other reformers, e.g. his doctrine as to the nature of Christ's presence in the Eucharist (see consubstantiation n.), and as the appellation of those churches, principally in Germany and Scandinavia, which accept the Augsburg Confession as their official doctrinal symbol.
1530 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. Cromwell (1902) I. 333
They wyll not discent from the lutheran sekt.
1650 R. Stapylton tr. F. Strada De Bello Belgico iii. 53
Disliking his marrying into a Lutheran family.
1660 Bp. J. Taylor Ductor Dubitantium I. ii. ii. Rule 6 §10
The Lutheran churches..have..as little reason for their division.
B. n. A follower of Luther; an adherent of his doctrines; a member of the Lutheran church.
1521 W. Warham Let. 8 Mar. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 240
The heryng wherof shuld be right..plesant to the open Lutheranes beyond the See.
1623 Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iii. ii. 100,
I know her for A spleeny Lutheran.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 321
We had several Lutherans..these fell a Singing some Spiritual Hymns in the Temple.
Forms: Also 15 lutherane.
Etymology: < proper name Luther + -an suffix.
A. adj. Pertaining to the German reformer Martin Luther (1483–1546), his opinions and followers.
In the 16th c. the designation was used by Roman Catholic writers as coextensive with Protestant n. and adj.; applied, e.g., to the reformed Church of England. Now chiefly applied to doctrinal views held by Luther in opposition to other reformers, e.g. his doctrine as to the nature of Christ's presence in the Eucharist (see consubstantiation n.), and as the appellation of those churches, principally in Germany and Scandinavia, which accept the Augsburg Confession as their official doctrinal symbol.
1530 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. Cromwell (1902) I. 333
They wyll not discent from the lutheran sekt.
1650 R. Stapylton tr. F. Strada De Bello Belgico iii. 53
Disliking his marrying into a Lutheran family.
1660 Bp. J. Taylor Ductor Dubitantium I. ii. ii. Rule 6 §10
The Lutheran churches..have..as little reason for their division.
B. n. A follower of Luther; an adherent of his doctrines; a member of the Lutheran church.
1521 W. Warham Let. 8 Mar. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 240
The heryng wherof shuld be right..plesant to the open Lutheranes beyond the See.
1623 Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iii. ii. 100,
I know her for A spleeny Lutheran.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 321
We had several Lutherans..these fell a Singing some Spiritual Hymns in the Temple.
Macedonian
A follower of the Pneumatomachian doctrine attributed to Macedonius, a bishop of Constantinople in the 4th cent.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 499 (MED),
The sect of Macedonyanys..helden that the Holi Goost was not God.
1559 N. Heath Speech 30 Jan. in W. Cobbett Parl. Hist. (1806) I. 645
Damase, then bishop of Rome.., did give sentence against the heretics, Macedonians, Sabellians and Eunomians.
1577 T. Vautrollier tr. M. Luther Comm. Epist. to Galathians (new ed.) f. 18,
Arians, Eunomians, Macedonians, and such other heretikes.
1645 T. Vane Lost Sheepe 33
Now how sutable this doctrine is to the peace and tranquility of Common-Wealths,..though it bee to Arrianisme, to the heresy of the Macedonians, [etc.].
1701 tr. J. Le Clerc Lives Primitive Fathers 252
He [sc. Gregory] disputes about the Consubstantiality of the Holy Spirit, against the Macedonians.
1883 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. II. 1578
They are Macedonians, esteeming the Holy Spirit as no person, but only an influence or emanation.
1896 G. P. Fisher Hist. Christian Doctrine i. ii. iii. 145
When Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, pronounced the Holy Ghost to be a creature subordinate to the Son, his opinion was generally considered heretical, and his followers, the Macedonians, were given the nickname of ‘Pneumatomachians’.
1915 Encycl. Relig. & Ethics VIII. 225/2
The leading doctrine of the Macedonians is found in the thesis characterized by their opponents as ‘Pneumatomachian’.
1996 M. Wiles Archetypal Heresy ii. 43
Homoousians, Homoiousians, and Macedonians are all included in this blanket condemnation.
B. adj.2
Of or relating to Macedonians or their beliefs.
1585 T. Rogers Eng. Creede: 1st Pt. (new ed.) 4
These were the Arian and Macedonian heretiques, who were called Pneumatomachoie, because they warred against the holie Ghost.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. II. 50
A new branch of Macedonian Semi-arians, or Pneumatomachi.
1910 New Schaff-Herzog Encycl. Relig. Knowl. VII. 111/2 (heading)
The development of the ‘Macedonian’ sect..began in Alexandria.
1963 P. W. Harkins Baptismal Instructions 210
For the Macedonian heresy, cf. G. Bardy, ‘Macédonius et les Macédoniens’.
1993 16th Cent. Jrnl. 24 797 (note)
The Donatist, Eumonian and Macedonian heresies flourish during a schism.
Derivatives
Maceˌdonianism n.
1642 J. Hales Tract conc. Schisme 9
Manichanisme, Valentinianisme, Macedonianisme, Mahometisme, are truley and properly Heresies.
1646 J. Maxwell Burden of Issachar 21
The grossest Heresies, Arianisme, Arminianisme, Macedonianisme [etc.].
1855 M. J. Spalding Miscellanea i. 28
During this period the Church saw Arianism, Macedonianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Pelagianism, and Monothelitism, rise in succession.
1993 16th Cent. Jrnl. 24 797 (note)
Councils deal with Pelagianism..and Macedonianism.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 499 (MED),
The sect of Macedonyanys..helden that the Holi Goost was not God.
1559 N. Heath Speech 30 Jan. in W. Cobbett Parl. Hist. (1806) I. 645
Damase, then bishop of Rome.., did give sentence against the heretics, Macedonians, Sabellians and Eunomians.
1577 T. Vautrollier tr. M. Luther Comm. Epist. to Galathians (new ed.) f. 18,
Arians, Eunomians, Macedonians, and such other heretikes.
1645 T. Vane Lost Sheepe 33
Now how sutable this doctrine is to the peace and tranquility of Common-Wealths,..though it bee to Arrianisme, to the heresy of the Macedonians, [etc.].
1701 tr. J. Le Clerc Lives Primitive Fathers 252
He [sc. Gregory] disputes about the Consubstantiality of the Holy Spirit, against the Macedonians.
1883 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. II. 1578
They are Macedonians, esteeming the Holy Spirit as no person, but only an influence or emanation.
1896 G. P. Fisher Hist. Christian Doctrine i. ii. iii. 145
When Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, pronounced the Holy Ghost to be a creature subordinate to the Son, his opinion was generally considered heretical, and his followers, the Macedonians, were given the nickname of ‘Pneumatomachians’.
1915 Encycl. Relig. & Ethics VIII. 225/2
The leading doctrine of the Macedonians is found in the thesis characterized by their opponents as ‘Pneumatomachian’.
1996 M. Wiles Archetypal Heresy ii. 43
Homoousians, Homoiousians, and Macedonians are all included in this blanket condemnation.
B. adj.2
Of or relating to Macedonians or their beliefs.
1585 T. Rogers Eng. Creede: 1st Pt. (new ed.) 4
These were the Arian and Macedonian heretiques, who were called Pneumatomachoie, because they warred against the holie Ghost.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. II. 50
A new branch of Macedonian Semi-arians, or Pneumatomachi.
1910 New Schaff-Herzog Encycl. Relig. Knowl. VII. 111/2 (heading)
The development of the ‘Macedonian’ sect..began in Alexandria.
1963 P. W. Harkins Baptismal Instructions 210
For the Macedonian heresy, cf. G. Bardy, ‘Macédonius et les Macédoniens’.
1993 16th Cent. Jrnl. 24 797 (note)
The Donatist, Eumonian and Macedonian heresies flourish during a schism.
Derivatives
Maceˌdonianism n.
1642 J. Hales Tract conc. Schisme 9
Manichanisme, Valentinianisme, Macedonianisme, Mahometisme, are truley and properly Heresies.
1646 J. Maxwell Burden of Issachar 21
The grossest Heresies, Arianisme, Arminianisme, Macedonianisme [etc.].
1855 M. J. Spalding Miscellanea i. 28
During this period the Church saw Arianism, Macedonianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Pelagianism, and Monothelitism, rise in succession.
1993 16th Cent. Jrnl. 24 797 (note)
Councils deal with Pelagianism..and Macedonianism.
Mani lived from 210 to 276.
Mani is condemned at the Council of Florence, 11th Session, 1442.
Manichaeism, n.
Forms: 16 Manicheisme, 16 Manichisme, 16– Manicheism, 18– Manichaeism.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Manichaeus (see Manichee n.) + -ism suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek μανιχαϊσμος (late 4th cent.), French manichéisme (1688). Compare earlier Manichee n.
A religious system with Christian, Gnostic, and pagan elements, founded in the 3rd cent. a.d. and widespread in the Roman Empire and Asia until the 5th cent. (surviving until the 13th cent.), based on the supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness, and representing Evil as coeternal with God; (more generally) dualism.
1619 Judgment Synode Dort 54
A patched composure of Stoicisme, Manicheisme, Libertinisme, and Turcisme.
1626 D. Featley Parallel sig. Dv,
This Doctrine bringeth into the Church Manichisme.
1679 T. Puller Moderation Ch. Eng. vi. 143
Which doctrine of J. S. is condemned..as the pith of Manicheism.
1727–41 E. Chambers Cycl. at Petrobrussian,
F. Langlois objects manicheism to the Petrobrussians.
1782 J. Warton Ess. on Pope (new ed.) II. ix. 160
The gloomy and uncomfortable scheme of Scepticism and Manicheism.
Manichaean, n. and adj.
Forms: 15 Manichian, 15– Manichean, 16– Manichaean; Sc. pre-17 Manicheane.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Manichaeus (see Manichee n.) + -an suffix. Compare Middle French manichéen , noun (1541). With form in -ian compare -ian suffix.
A. n. An adherent of Manichaeism; (more generally) a dualist.
1556 Clement in J. Strype Eccl. Mem. (1721) III. App. lxi. 214
Arians Eutichians Manichians..and all other heretikes.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xxxvi. 158b,
They [sc. the Greeks] fel..into many errors & damnable heresies, as into that of the Manicheans, which affirmed that there were 2 goddes, the one good and the other evill.
1686 A. Horneck Crucified Jesus xi. 203
The Marcionites and Manichæans of old, who taught, that Christ had no real or substantial body.
1739 S. Boyse Deity 98
Could the wild Manichæan own that guide, The good would triumph, and the ill subside!
1793 D. Stewart Outl. Moral Philos. ii. 193
The Manicheans account for the mixture of good and evil in the universe, by the opposite agencies of two co-eternal and independent principles.
B. adj. Of, relating to, or characteristic of Manichaeism or its adherents; (more generally) of or relating to dualism, dualistic.
a1600 (▸?c1535) tr. H. Boece Hist. Scotl. (1946) vii. iii. f. 226,
Augustine..detesting the Manicheane heresy.
1638 W. Chillingworth Relig. Protestants i. Pref. §1
If any thing more then ordinary might be said in defence of the Manichean Doctrine.
1710 G. Berkeley Treat. Princ. Human Knowl. §154
Favourers of Atheism or the Manichean Heresy.
1785 W. Cowper Task v. 444
As dreadful as the Manichean God. Ador'd through fear, strong only to destroy.
Manichaeism, n.
Forms: 16 Manicheisme, 16 Manichisme, 16– Manicheism, 18– Manichaeism.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Manichaeus (see Manichee n.) + -ism suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek μανιχαϊσμος (late 4th cent.), French manichéisme (1688). Compare earlier Manichee n.
A religious system with Christian, Gnostic, and pagan elements, founded in the 3rd cent. a.d. and widespread in the Roman Empire and Asia until the 5th cent. (surviving until the 13th cent.), based on the supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness, and representing Evil as coeternal with God; (more generally) dualism.
1619 Judgment Synode Dort 54
A patched composure of Stoicisme, Manicheisme, Libertinisme, and Turcisme.
1626 D. Featley Parallel sig. Dv,
This Doctrine bringeth into the Church Manichisme.
1679 T. Puller Moderation Ch. Eng. vi. 143
Which doctrine of J. S. is condemned..as the pith of Manicheism.
1727–41 E. Chambers Cycl. at Petrobrussian,
F. Langlois objects manicheism to the Petrobrussians.
1782 J. Warton Ess. on Pope (new ed.) II. ix. 160
The gloomy and uncomfortable scheme of Scepticism and Manicheism.
Manichaean, n. and adj.
Forms: 15 Manichian, 15– Manichean, 16– Manichaean; Sc. pre-17 Manicheane.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Manichaeus (see Manichee n.) + -an suffix. Compare Middle French manichéen , noun (1541). With form in -ian compare -ian suffix.
A. n. An adherent of Manichaeism; (more generally) a dualist.
1556 Clement in J. Strype Eccl. Mem. (1721) III. App. lxi. 214
Arians Eutichians Manichians..and all other heretikes.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xxxvi. 158b,
They [sc. the Greeks] fel..into many errors & damnable heresies, as into that of the Manicheans, which affirmed that there were 2 goddes, the one good and the other evill.
1686 A. Horneck Crucified Jesus xi. 203
The Marcionites and Manichæans of old, who taught, that Christ had no real or substantial body.
1739 S. Boyse Deity 98
Could the wild Manichæan own that guide, The good would triumph, and the ill subside!
1793 D. Stewart Outl. Moral Philos. ii. 193
The Manicheans account for the mixture of good and evil in the universe, by the opposite agencies of two co-eternal and independent principles.
B. adj. Of, relating to, or characteristic of Manichaeism or its adherents; (more generally) of or relating to dualism, dualistic.
a1600 (▸?c1535) tr. H. Boece Hist. Scotl. (1946) vii. iii. f. 226,
Augustine..detesting the Manicheane heresy.
1638 W. Chillingworth Relig. Protestants i. Pref. §1
If any thing more then ordinary might be said in defence of the Manichean Doctrine.
1710 G. Berkeley Treat. Princ. Human Knowl. §154
Favourers of Atheism or the Manichean Heresy.
1785 W. Cowper Task v. 444
As dreadful as the Manichean God. Ador'd through fear, strong only to destroy.
Marcion lived from c85 to c160.
Marcion is condemned at the Council of Florence, 11th Session, 1442.
Marcionist, n.
Forms: lME Marcionyst, 15 Marcyoniste, 15 Martionist, 16– Marcionist.
Etymology:
Either < the name of Marcion (see Marcionite n.) + -ist suffix, or < post-classical Latin Marcionista (&c.4th cent.) or its etymon Hellenistic Greek Μαρκιωνιστής (2nd cent.).= Marcionite n.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 498
The sect of Cerdyonysts and of Marcionystis, whiche helden that ij Goddis ben, oon good, and an other yuel.
1546 Bp. S. Gardiner Declar. True Articles 50
And then the Arryane maye be saued by his faythe, and..the Marcyoniste by hys faythe.
1584 R. Scot Discouerie Witchcraft i. i. 2
The Martionists acknowledged one God the authour of good things, and another the ordeiner of euill.
1658 J. Mumford Qvestion of Qvestions ii. 51
About S. Matthewes Ghospel the Manicheans, Marcionists, Cerdonists, &c. did not only doubt, but flatly rejected it.
Marcionite, n. and adj.
Forms: 15 Marcianite, 15– Marcionite.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Marcionita (early 3rd cent. in Tertullian) < the name of Marcion of Sinope (2nd cent. a.d.) + -ita -ite suffix1. Compare earlier Marcionist n.
Many of the early attestations of post-classical Latin Marcionita are in Tertullian Adversus Marcionem. It appears to have been formed as a Latin equivalent of Hellenistic Greek Μαρκιωνιστής Marcionist n.
A. n. An adherent of the rigorously ascetic sect founded in Rome in the 2nd cent. a.d. by Marcion of Sinope, who rejected the authority of the Old and New Testaments (with the exception of ten of the Epistles of St Paul and an edited recension of the Gospel of St Luke) on the grounds that the god to which they referred was a God of Law rather than the God of Love.
1537 W. Turner tr. Urbanus Regius Compar. Olde Learnynge & Newe sig. Dvi,
Saynt Jerome doth wrast these sayenges agaynste the Tacyans and the Marcionites.
a1540 R. Barnes Wks. (1573) 315/2
The Marcianites, they receiue no man to bee a Christen man, excepte hee forsweare maryage.
1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iv. xi. 193
Sclanderers of the law and Prophets, such as Marcionites and Manichees were.
1660 Bp. J. Taylor Ductor Dubitantium I. ii. iii. 477
And thus..the Fathers did conclude against the Gnosticks, the Valentinians, the Marcionites,..and all the pests of Christendome.
Marcionist, n.
Forms: lME Marcionyst, 15 Marcyoniste, 15 Martionist, 16– Marcionist.
Etymology:
Either < the name of Marcion (see Marcionite n.) + -ist suffix, or < post-classical Latin Marcionista (&c.4th cent.) or its etymon Hellenistic Greek Μαρκιωνιστής (2nd cent.).= Marcionite n.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 498
The sect of Cerdyonysts and of Marcionystis, whiche helden that ij Goddis ben, oon good, and an other yuel.
1546 Bp. S. Gardiner Declar. True Articles 50
And then the Arryane maye be saued by his faythe, and..the Marcyoniste by hys faythe.
1584 R. Scot Discouerie Witchcraft i. i. 2
The Martionists acknowledged one God the authour of good things, and another the ordeiner of euill.
1658 J. Mumford Qvestion of Qvestions ii. 51
About S. Matthewes Ghospel the Manicheans, Marcionists, Cerdonists, &c. did not only doubt, but flatly rejected it.
Marcionite, n. and adj.
Forms: 15 Marcianite, 15– Marcionite.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Marcionita (early 3rd cent. in Tertullian) < the name of Marcion of Sinope (2nd cent. a.d.) + -ita -ite suffix1. Compare earlier Marcionist n.
Many of the early attestations of post-classical Latin Marcionita are in Tertullian Adversus Marcionem. It appears to have been formed as a Latin equivalent of Hellenistic Greek Μαρκιωνιστής Marcionist n.
A. n. An adherent of the rigorously ascetic sect founded in Rome in the 2nd cent. a.d. by Marcion of Sinope, who rejected the authority of the Old and New Testaments (with the exception of ten of the Epistles of St Paul and an edited recension of the Gospel of St Luke) on the grounds that the god to which they referred was a God of Law rather than the God of Love.
1537 W. Turner tr. Urbanus Regius Compar. Olde Learnynge & Newe sig. Dvi,
Saynt Jerome doth wrast these sayenges agaynste the Tacyans and the Marcionites.
a1540 R. Barnes Wks. (1573) 315/2
The Marcianites, they receiue no man to bee a Christen man, excepte hee forsweare maryage.
1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iv. xi. 193
Sclanderers of the law and Prophets, such as Marcionites and Manichees were.
1660 Bp. J. Taylor Ductor Dubitantium I. ii. iii. 477
And thus..the Fathers did conclude against the Gnosticks, the Valentinians, the Marcionites,..and all the pests of Christendome.
Monarchianism
The antitrinitarian doctrine of the Monarchians. Also: a belief thought to be similar to that of the Monarchians.
1841 H. J. Rose tr. A. Neander Hist. Christian Relig. & Church II. 259
The others..were still more strongly opposed to this class of Monarchianism.
1858 J. Martineau Stud. Christianity 246
This shows the yet powerful influence of the Judaic Monarchianism.
1888 E. Hatch Infl. Greek Ideas (1890) vii. 207
The two schools of Monarchianism, in one of which Christ was conceived as a mode of God, and in the other as His exalted creature.
1968 P. J. Hamell Introd. Patrology v. 57
Modalism.., maintaining one and the same Person is God, called Father, Son, and Holy Ghost under different..points of view..was first called Monarchianism, and later Patripassianism.
1982 Greek Orthodox Theol. Rev. 27 386
To tag one or other position as tending toward Monarchianism or Subordinationism.
1998 Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois) (Nexis) 3 Oct. a12
Christadelphians are really a form of the early church heresy, Monarchianism, which taught that only the Father is truly God, Jesus is a form of the Father and the Holy Spirit is the power of the Father.
1841 H. J. Rose tr. A. Neander Hist. Christian Relig. & Church II. 259
The others..were still more strongly opposed to this class of Monarchianism.
1858 J. Martineau Stud. Christianity 246
This shows the yet powerful influence of the Judaic Monarchianism.
1888 E. Hatch Infl. Greek Ideas (1890) vii. 207
The two schools of Monarchianism, in one of which Christ was conceived as a mode of God, and in the other as His exalted creature.
1968 P. J. Hamell Introd. Patrology v. 57
Modalism.., maintaining one and the same Person is God, called Father, Son, and Holy Ghost under different..points of view..was first called Monarchianism, and later Patripassianism.
1982 Greek Orthodox Theol. Rev. 27 386
To tag one or other position as tending toward Monarchianism or Subordinationism.
1998 Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois) (Nexis) 3 Oct. a12
Christadelphians are really a form of the early church heresy, Monarchianism, which taught that only the Father is truly God, Jesus is a form of the Father and the Holy Spirit is the power of the Father.
Monophysitism
The belief or doctrine of Monophysites.
1837 Pop. Encycl. V. 37/1
In 483, the Acephali..had already seceded, and formed the real strength of Monophysitism.
1899 Dublin Rev. Jan. 83
The extension of the Coptic Rite in Egypt favoured the spread of monophysitism.
1963 T. Ware Orthodox Church ii. 33
Dioscorus and Eutyches..maintained that in Christ there was not only a unity of personality but a single nature—Monophysitism.
1992 Times Lit. Suppl. 28 Feb. 12/1
Newman commented on the trouble Monophysitism caused him: ‘It was difficult to make out how the Eutychians or Monophysites were heretics, unless Protestants and Anglicans were heretics also.’
1837 Pop. Encycl. V. 37/1
In 483, the Acephali..had already seceded, and formed the real strength of Monophysitism.
1899 Dublin Rev. Jan. 83
The extension of the Coptic Rite in Egypt favoured the spread of monophysitism.
1963 T. Ware Orthodox Church ii. 33
Dioscorus and Eutyches..maintained that in Christ there was not only a unity of personality but a single nature—Monophysitism.
1992 Times Lit. Suppl. 28 Feb. 12/1
Newman commented on the trouble Monophysitism caused him: ‘It was difficult to make out how the Eutychians or Monophysites were heretics, unless Protestants and Anglicans were heretics also.’
Monothelitism
The doctrine of the Monothelites regarding the will of Jesus.
a1729 E. Taylor Metrical Hist. Christianity (1962) 232
Much Spider-Web from heaven fell that houre Wherein they Monothelatism tame.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. vii. ii v. §5
The doctrine of Monothelitism.
a1861 W. Cunningham Hist. Theol. (1864) I. xi. 328
Honorius advocated Monothelitism.
1882–3 Schaff's Encycl. Relig. Knowl. I. 457
Monothelitism continued among the Maronites on Mount Lebanon.
a1729 E. Taylor Metrical Hist. Christianity (1962) 232
Much Spider-Web from heaven fell that houre Wherein they Monothelatism tame.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. vii. ii v. §5
The doctrine of Monothelitism.
a1861 W. Cunningham Hist. Theol. (1864) I. xi. 328
Honorius advocated Monothelitism.
1882–3 Schaff's Encycl. Relig. Knowl. I. 457
Monothelitism continued among the Maronites on Mount Lebanon.
Montanism
The beliefs, principles, and practices of a heretical Christian sect which was founded by Montanus in Phrygia in the middle of the 2nd cent. and persisted until the 5th cent; adherence to the Montanist system or doctrines.Montanus claimed prophetic inspiration for himself and two women companions. The sect flourished, principally in Carthage, in the 3rd cent. under the leadership of Tertullian, its most famous convert. The tenets of the sect were millenarian and severely ascetic, but otherwise did not differ appreciably from those of the Christian Church.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxii. 210
Tertullian proclayming euen open warre to the Church maintained Montanisme.
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar iii. 57
If by such austerities I lead others to a good opinion of Montanism I must..alter my dyet.
1757 A. Butler Lives Saints III. 165 (note)
The harshness of his expressions shew that he then leaned toward Montanism.
1822 L. H. Sigourney Traits of Aborigines ii. 44
The doctrine of Purgatory, which some have derived from the Platonic fancies of Origen, the Montanism of Tertullian.
1867 G. P. Fisher Ess. Supernatural Origin Christianity 68
The main features of Montanism were the Chiliasm, or expectation of the Saviour's millennial reign and speedy advent.
1902 T. M. Lindsay Church & Ministry in Early Cent. vi. 215 (note)
Prophecy lasted until it was finally discredited by Montanism.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxii. 210
Tertullian proclayming euen open warre to the Church maintained Montanisme.
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar iii. 57
If by such austerities I lead others to a good opinion of Montanism I must..alter my dyet.
1757 A. Butler Lives Saints III. 165 (note)
The harshness of his expressions shew that he then leaned toward Montanism.
1822 L. H. Sigourney Traits of Aborigines ii. 44
The doctrine of Purgatory, which some have derived from the Platonic fancies of Origen, the Montanism of Tertullian.
1867 G. P. Fisher Ess. Supernatural Origin Christianity 68
The main features of Montanism were the Chiliasm, or expectation of the Saviour's millennial reign and speedy advent.
1902 T. M. Lindsay Church & Ministry in Early Cent. vi. 215 (note)
Prophecy lasted until it was finally discredited by Montanism.
Nestorius lived c386 to c451.
Nestorius is condemned at the Council of Florence, 11th Session, 1442.
Nestorian, n. and adj.1
Forms: ME Nestoryen, ME– Nestorian, 15 Nestoryan.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Nestorianus, adjective (5th cent.) and noun (beginning of the 6th cent.)
< Nestorius (Byzantine Greek Νεστόριος ), the name of a patriarch of Constantinople and heresiarch (c351–451) + -anus -an suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek Νεστοριανός, noun ( a.d. 536), Middle French, French nestorien, noun and adjective (1489 as noun), Italian nestoriano (a1310 as noun), Spanish nestoriano (1350 as adjective and noun).
A follower or adherent of Nestorius; a person who accepts or professes Nestorianism. In modern use also: a member of a modern Orthodox Church characterized by aspects of Nestorianism.
?a1425 (▸c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 81
Þer ben oþere þat men clepen Nestoryenes, And summe Arryenes.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 500 (MED),
The sect of Nestorianys..helden that Marie was not the modir of God but modir of a man oonli.
1579 W. Fulke Confut. Treat. N. Sander in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 552
Anastasius was a fauourer of Nestorians.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Lang. & Relig. (1614) xix. 143
The Nestorians in the North part of Mesopotamia.
1681 R. Baxter Acct. Sherlocke iv. 190
The Christians, called Nestorians,..are exceeding numerous in a great part of the East.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XIII. 11/2
The see of Seleucia, which the patriarch of the Nestorians has always filled.
B. adj.1 1. Designating a person accepting, professing, or adhering to Nestorianism.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare To Rdr.,
The Nestorian heretics.
1602 T. Fitzherbert Apol. 37
Being a magician, and a nestorian heretyk.
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 33
The Epithite we give, more propably belongs to another Nestorian Prince.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. (1833) 471
The great Nestorian pontiffs..look with a hostile eye on this little patriarch.
2. Of, relating to, or connected with Nestorius or the Nestorians; of the nature of Nestorianism.
1684 R. Baxter Catholick Communion 14
The Nestorian Liturgy is one of the..best that I find recorded.
1724 D. Waterland Crit. Hist. Athanasian Creed vii. 108
They also condemn'd the Nestorian tenets.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XIII. 11/2
One of the chief promoters of the Nestorian cause was Barsumas.
Nestorian, adj.2
Etymology:
< the name of Nestor (see Nestor n.) + -ian suffix.
Of, characteristic of, or relating to Nestor; resembling Nestor in longevity or wisdom.
1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne Pract. Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke i. xvii. 92
It will suffice..to prolong our dayes to Nestorian yeares [L. Nestoreos annos].
1625 T. Heywood Funeral Elegie Death King Iames sig. D3,
Blest with a fortunate Nestorian Reigne.
1695 R. Blackmore Prince Arthur vi. 172
Pascentius next, a wise Nestorian head.
Nestorianism, n.
Forms: 16 Nestorianisme, 17– Nestorianism.
Etymology:
< Nestorian adj.1 + -ism suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek Νεστοριασμός (6th cent.), French Nestorianisme (1698).
The doctrine of Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople (appointed in 428), by which Christ is asserted to have had distinct human and divine persons.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Lang. & Relig. (1614) xix. 140
Cosrhoes..inforced all the Christians of the Persian Empire to Nestorianisme.
1659 J. Pearson Expos. Apostles Creed ii. 256
He ejected him..under the pretence of Nestorianisme.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Nestorians,
'Tis something difficult to determine whether or no the Chaldee Christians, who still profess Nestorianism, have precisely the same Sentiments with Nestorius.
† Nestorine, n. and adj.
Forms: ME Nestoryne.
Etymology:
Partly < post-classical Latin Nestorinus, adjective (1267 in a British source) and noun (second half of the 14th cent. in the text translated in quot. c1450 at sense A.)
< Nestorius (see Nestorian n.) + -inus -ine suffix1, and partly
< Middle French nestorin, adjective (13th cent. in Old French)
< Nestor (see Nestor n.) + -in -ine suffix1. Compare Italian nestorino (1310 as adjective, 1345 as noun), Spanish nestorino (1350 as noun).
Obs. rare.
A. n. = Nestorian n.
c1450 (1400) Three Kings Cologne (Cambr. Ee.4.32) 132 (MED),
Þe heretikes of þis yle, þe wich be cleped Nestorynes, take but litil kepe of his body.
B. adj. = Nestorian adj.1 2.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 95 (MED),
It was at Saignys a monke apostata, infecte of the heresie Nestoryne and put owt fro holy chirche.
Nestorian, n. and adj.1
Forms: ME Nestoryen, ME– Nestorian, 15 Nestoryan.
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Nestorianus, adjective (5th cent.) and noun (beginning of the 6th cent.)
< Nestorius (Byzantine Greek Νεστόριος ), the name of a patriarch of Constantinople and heresiarch (c351–451) + -anus -an suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek Νεστοριανός, noun ( a.d. 536), Middle French, French nestorien, noun and adjective (1489 as noun), Italian nestoriano (a1310 as noun), Spanish nestoriano (1350 as adjective and noun).
A follower or adherent of Nestorius; a person who accepts or professes Nestorianism. In modern use also: a member of a modern Orthodox Church characterized by aspects of Nestorianism.
?a1425 (▸c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 81
Þer ben oþere þat men clepen Nestoryenes, And summe Arryenes.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 500 (MED),
The sect of Nestorianys..helden that Marie was not the modir of God but modir of a man oonli.
1579 W. Fulke Confut. Treat. N. Sander in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 552
Anastasius was a fauourer of Nestorians.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Lang. & Relig. (1614) xix. 143
The Nestorians in the North part of Mesopotamia.
1681 R. Baxter Acct. Sherlocke iv. 190
The Christians, called Nestorians,..are exceeding numerous in a great part of the East.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XIII. 11/2
The see of Seleucia, which the patriarch of the Nestorians has always filled.
B. adj.1 1. Designating a person accepting, professing, or adhering to Nestorianism.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare To Rdr.,
The Nestorian heretics.
1602 T. Fitzherbert Apol. 37
Being a magician, and a nestorian heretyk.
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 33
The Epithite we give, more propably belongs to another Nestorian Prince.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. (1833) 471
The great Nestorian pontiffs..look with a hostile eye on this little patriarch.
2. Of, relating to, or connected with Nestorius or the Nestorians; of the nature of Nestorianism.
1684 R. Baxter Catholick Communion 14
The Nestorian Liturgy is one of the..best that I find recorded.
1724 D. Waterland Crit. Hist. Athanasian Creed vii. 108
They also condemn'd the Nestorian tenets.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XIII. 11/2
One of the chief promoters of the Nestorian cause was Barsumas.
Nestorian, adj.2
Etymology:
< the name of Nestor (see Nestor n.) + -ian suffix.
Of, characteristic of, or relating to Nestor; resembling Nestor in longevity or wisdom.
1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne Pract. Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke i. xvii. 92
It will suffice..to prolong our dayes to Nestorian yeares [L. Nestoreos annos].
1625 T. Heywood Funeral Elegie Death King Iames sig. D3,
Blest with a fortunate Nestorian Reigne.
1695 R. Blackmore Prince Arthur vi. 172
Pascentius next, a wise Nestorian head.
Nestorianism, n.
Forms: 16 Nestorianisme, 17– Nestorianism.
Etymology:
< Nestorian adj.1 + -ism suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek Νεστοριασμός (6th cent.), French Nestorianisme (1698).
The doctrine of Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople (appointed in 428), by which Christ is asserted to have had distinct human and divine persons.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Lang. & Relig. (1614) xix. 140
Cosrhoes..inforced all the Christians of the Persian Empire to Nestorianisme.
1659 J. Pearson Expos. Apostles Creed ii. 256
He ejected him..under the pretence of Nestorianisme.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Nestorians,
'Tis something difficult to determine whether or no the Chaldee Christians, who still profess Nestorianism, have precisely the same Sentiments with Nestorius.
† Nestorine, n. and adj.
Forms: ME Nestoryne.
Etymology:
Partly < post-classical Latin Nestorinus, adjective (1267 in a British source) and noun (second half of the 14th cent. in the text translated in quot. c1450 at sense A.)
< Nestorius (see Nestorian n.) + -inus -ine suffix1, and partly
< Middle French nestorin, adjective (13th cent. in Old French)
< Nestor (see Nestor n.) + -in -ine suffix1. Compare Italian nestorino (1310 as adjective, 1345 as noun), Spanish nestorino (1350 as noun).
Obs. rare.
A. n. = Nestorian n.
c1450 (1400) Three Kings Cologne (Cambr. Ee.4.32) 132 (MED),
Þe heretikes of þis yle, þe wich be cleped Nestorynes, take but litil kepe of his body.
B. adj. = Nestorian adj.1 2.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 95 (MED),
It was at Saignys a monke apostata, infecte of the heresie Nestoryne and put owt fro holy chirche.
Ophites
A member of an early Gnostic sect which worshipped the serpent.According to the Ophites, the serpent in the story of the fall (Genesis 3) symbolized a higher god, who illuminates and liberates mankind.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents Ep. Ded. sig. A 3v,
Epiphanius in his Treatise against the Ophitæ.
1645 A. Ross Medicus Med. 27
It seemes he (the Divell) dealt otherwise with you then with the Ophit hereticks.
1692 W. Wotton tr. L. E. Du Pin New Hist. Eccl. Writers I. 127/1
[Origen] attacks the Ebionites,..the Ophites, and the Sabellians.
1727 H. Herbert tr. C. Fleury Eccl. Hist. I. 194
The Ophites, who said that Wisdom had turned itself into a Serpent.
1793 W. Holwell Mythol. Dict. 306
The Ophite priests were very learned.
1851 H. Melville Moby-Dick xli. 203
That intangible malignity..which the ancient Ophites of the east reverenced in their statue devil.
1871 E. B. Tylor Primitive Culture II. 220
The cultus which tradition..declares the semi-Christian sect of Ophites to have rendered to their tame snake.
1888 E. Hatch Infl. Greek Ideas (1890) iii. 70
The Ophite writer, Justin.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents Ep. Ded. sig. A 3v,
Epiphanius in his Treatise against the Ophitæ.
1645 A. Ross Medicus Med. 27
It seemes he (the Divell) dealt otherwise with you then with the Ophit hereticks.
1692 W. Wotton tr. L. E. Du Pin New Hist. Eccl. Writers I. 127/1
[Origen] attacks the Ebionites,..the Ophites, and the Sabellians.
1727 H. Herbert tr. C. Fleury Eccl. Hist. I. 194
The Ophites, who said that Wisdom had turned itself into a Serpent.
1793 W. Holwell Mythol. Dict. 306
The Ophite priests were very learned.
1851 H. Melville Moby-Dick xli. 203
That intangible malignity..which the ancient Ophites of the east reverenced in their statue devil.
1871 E. B. Tylor Primitive Culture II. 220
The cultus which tradition..declares the semi-Christian sect of Ophites to have rendered to their tame snake.
1888 E. Hatch Infl. Greek Ideas (1890) iii. 70
The Ophite writer, Justin.
Paulicianism
A. n.
A member of a sect which arose in Armenia in the 5th cent., having affinities with the Paulianists and professing a modified form of Manichaeism.
1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes 357
The Paulicians..said these woordes of Christ, take, eate, this is my bodie, are not to be vnderstanded of his bodie.
1607 T. Rogers Faith, Doctr., & Relig. 191
Aduersaries vnto this doctrine be they, Who vtterly condemne..Excommunication, saying how the wicked are not excommunicable, so did the Paulicians.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl.
Paulicians,..so call'd from their Chieftain, one Paulus an Armenian, in the VIIth Century.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. I. 329
The Greeks were engaged..in the most bitter and virulent controversy with the Paulicians, whom they considered as a branch of the Manichean sect.
1811 Byron Let. 3 Sept. (1973) II. 89,
I would sooner be a Paulician, Manichean, Spinozist, Gentile, Pyrrhonian, Zoroastrian, than one of the seventy-two villainous sects who are tearing each other to pieces for the love of the Lord.
1884 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. III. 2407/1
The Bulgarians..finally united with the Eastern Church; and only a small body of Paulicians are now Catholics.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 505/2
Their dualist doctrines,..present numerous resemblances to those of the Bogomils, and still more to those of the Paulicians, with whom they are sometimes connected.
1989 W. Weaver tr. U. Eco Foucault's Pendulum lxviii. 388
The Paulicians..are the followers of a certain Paul, joined by some iconoclasts expelled from Albania.
B. adj.
Of or relating to the Paulicians or Paulicianism.
1652 A. Ross Hist. World ii. iv. ii. 134
The Paulician Manichees, fell off totally from the Arabians, and infested the Provinces of the Empire.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. I. ii. v. 429
According to the Paulician doctrine, the evil principle was engendred by darkness and fire.
1840 Macaulay Ranke's Hist. in Ess. (1887) 575
The Paulician theology..spread rapidly through Provence and Languedoc.
1867 Biblical Repertory July 413
Even more controlling than the influence of Athanasius in the Paulician and Christological debates, was that of Augustine in the anthropological controversies.
1939 A. Toynbee Study of Hist. IV. 624
The Paulician community was a piece of jetsam..deposited..by an archaic ‘Adoptionist’ wave of Christianity.
1998 Armenian Reporter (Nexis) 7 Feb. 1
Though, like the Paulician sect, the Tondrakans had similarities to Christianity, they too despised all forms of worship.
Derivatives
Pauˈlicianism n. the doctrine of the Paulicians.
1839 Penny Cycl. XIV. 385/1
The Manichæan doctrines..continued to have supporters, under their new name of Paulicianism, till a very late period.
1874 J. H. Blunt Dict. Sects 414/2
From the close of the eleventh century Paulicianism as such ceases to be significant.
1996 Slavic & East European Jrnl. 40 771
Its [sc. Bogomil heresy's] origins traced back two millenia, to Zoroastrianism..Manichaeism of Late Antiquity, and Paulicianism in the early Byzantine Empire.
A member of a sect which arose in Armenia in the 5th cent., having affinities with the Paulianists and professing a modified form of Manichaeism.
1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes 357
The Paulicians..said these woordes of Christ, take, eate, this is my bodie, are not to be vnderstanded of his bodie.
1607 T. Rogers Faith, Doctr., & Relig. 191
Aduersaries vnto this doctrine be they, Who vtterly condemne..Excommunication, saying how the wicked are not excommunicable, so did the Paulicians.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl.
Paulicians,..so call'd from their Chieftain, one Paulus an Armenian, in the VIIth Century.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. I. 329
The Greeks were engaged..in the most bitter and virulent controversy with the Paulicians, whom they considered as a branch of the Manichean sect.
1811 Byron Let. 3 Sept. (1973) II. 89,
I would sooner be a Paulician, Manichean, Spinozist, Gentile, Pyrrhonian, Zoroastrian, than one of the seventy-two villainous sects who are tearing each other to pieces for the love of the Lord.
1884 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. III. 2407/1
The Bulgarians..finally united with the Eastern Church; and only a small body of Paulicians are now Catholics.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 505/2
Their dualist doctrines,..present numerous resemblances to those of the Bogomils, and still more to those of the Paulicians, with whom they are sometimes connected.
1989 W. Weaver tr. U. Eco Foucault's Pendulum lxviii. 388
The Paulicians..are the followers of a certain Paul, joined by some iconoclasts expelled from Albania.
B. adj.
Of or relating to the Paulicians or Paulicianism.
1652 A. Ross Hist. World ii. iv. ii. 134
The Paulician Manichees, fell off totally from the Arabians, and infested the Provinces of the Empire.
1765 A. Maclaine tr. J. L. von Mosheim Eccl. Hist. I. ii. v. 429
According to the Paulician doctrine, the evil principle was engendred by darkness and fire.
1840 Macaulay Ranke's Hist. in Ess. (1887) 575
The Paulician theology..spread rapidly through Provence and Languedoc.
1867 Biblical Repertory July 413
Even more controlling than the influence of Athanasius in the Paulician and Christological debates, was that of Augustine in the anthropological controversies.
1939 A. Toynbee Study of Hist. IV. 624
The Paulician community was a piece of jetsam..deposited..by an archaic ‘Adoptionist’ wave of Christianity.
1998 Armenian Reporter (Nexis) 7 Feb. 1
Though, like the Paulician sect, the Tondrakans had similarities to Christianity, they too despised all forms of worship.
Derivatives
Pauˈlicianism n. the doctrine of the Paulicians.
1839 Penny Cycl. XIV. 385/1
The Manichæan doctrines..continued to have supporters, under their new name of Paulicianism, till a very late period.
1874 J. H. Blunt Dict. Sects 414/2
From the close of the eleventh century Paulicianism as such ceases to be significant.
1996 Slavic & East European Jrnl. 40 771
Its [sc. Bogomil heresy's] origins traced back two millenia, to Zoroastrianism..Manichaeism of Late Antiquity, and Paulicianism in the early Byzantine Empire.
Patripassianism
The doctrine or belief of the Patripassians.
1847 C. W. Buch tr. K. R. Hagenbach Compend. Hist. Doctr. I. 49
Praxeas..being charged by Tertullian with Patripassianism [Ger. Patripassianismus].
1865 E. H. Browne Expos. Thirty-nine Articles 56
Patripassianism has been virtually held by some divines, who, in the main orthodox, have endeavoured too boldly to make the doctrine of the Trinity square exactly with human reason and philosophy.
1972 H. A. Williams True Resurrection v. 140,
I am of course aware the Patripassianism was technically a heresy.
1996 Church Times 19 Jan. 8/3
The spectre of patripassianism haunts the heralding of a suffering God.
1847 C. W. Buch tr. K. R. Hagenbach Compend. Hist. Doctr. I. 49
Praxeas..being charged by Tertullian with Patripassianism [Ger. Patripassianismus].
1865 E. H. Browne Expos. Thirty-nine Articles 56
Patripassianism has been virtually held by some divines, who, in the main orthodox, have endeavoured too boldly to make the doctrine of the Trinity square exactly with human reason and philosophy.
1972 H. A. Williams True Resurrection v. 140,
I am of course aware the Patripassianism was technically a heresy.
1996 Church Times 19 Jan. 8/3
The spectre of patripassianism haunts the heralding of a suffering God.
Psilanthropism
The doctrine or belief that Jesus was a mere man.
1811 S. T. Coleridge Note 14 Aug. in Marginalia (2000) V. 260
This Text [in J. Taylor's Polemicall Discourses]..seems to me a stronger passage in favour of Psilanthropism.
1825 S. T. Coleridge Aids Refl. 203
The true designation of their characteristic Tenet..is Psilanthropism or the assertion of the mere humanity of Christ.
1866 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 1st Ser. 368
He embraced..the ‘Psilanthropism’ of the sect.
1986 Vigiliae Christianae 40 375
No polemic against psilanthropism remains.
1998 Church Hist. 67 630
A middle course between the Scylla of alleged Nicene tritheism and the Charybdis of Unitarian psilanthropism.
1811 S. T. Coleridge Note 14 Aug. in Marginalia (2000) V. 260
This Text [in J. Taylor's Polemicall Discourses]..seems to me a stronger passage in favour of Psilanthropism.
1825 S. T. Coleridge Aids Refl. 203
The true designation of their characteristic Tenet..is Psilanthropism or the assertion of the mere humanity of Christ.
1866 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 1st Ser. 368
He embraced..the ‘Psilanthropism’ of the sect.
1986 Vigiliae Christianae 40 375
No polemic against psilanthropism remains.
1998 Church Hist. 67 630
A middle course between the Scylla of alleged Nicene tritheism and the Charybdis of Unitarian psilanthropism.
Pelagius lived from c354 to c420/40.
Pelagianism, n.
Forms: 15–16 Pelagianisme, 15– Pelagianism, 17 Pelagenism...
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Pelagianismus (1530, Luther)
< Pelagianus Pelagian adj.1 + -ismus -ism suffix. N.E.D. (1904) gives only the pronunciation (pĭlēi·dʒiăniz'm) /pɪˈleɪdʒɪənɪz(ə)m/ .
The doctrines of Pelagius and his followers; belief in or advocacy of these doctrines.
1581 W. Allen Apol. Two Eng. Colleges f. 17v,
To him, whose predecessors..recouered vs from Paganisme, from Arianisme, from Pelagianisme, from Zuinglianisme.
1583 W. Fulke Def. Transl. Script. (1843) viii. 342
While you would seem to fly from Pelagianism, you fall into flat Pharisaism.
1651 R. Baxter Plain Script. Proof 313
This doctrine which hangs the efficacy of the Holy Ghost upon man's Will,..is downright Pelagianism.
1669 J. Owen in T. Gale True Idea Jansenisme Pref. sig. a4v,
Bradwardine..opposed the spreading of Pelagianisme in and over the Roman Church.
1716 M. Davies Athenæ Britannicæ I. Pref. 44
This Father Jansenist Cyran, was to attack the Pope's Supremacy, whilst Jansenius was a battering the Jesuits Pelagenism.
a1751 Visct. Bolingbroke Let. to Pope in Let. to Sir W. Windham (1753) 486
To assert antipodes might become once more as heretical as arianism, or pelagianism.
Pelagian, n.1 and adj.1
Forms:
lME Pellagyen, lME Pilagien (in a late copy), lME– Pelagian, 15 Pellagian,
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Pelagianus, noun and adjective (5th cent.)
< Pelagius , apparently a Latinized form (after pelagius : see pelagian adj.2 and n.2) of the name of a British theologian of the late 4th and 5th centuries, whose doctrines were fiercely combated by St Augustine, and condemned by Pope Zosimus in a.d. 418 + classical Latin -ānus -an suffix. Compare Middle French, French pélagien (c1407 as noun, 1655 as adjective).
Attempts to link the name Pelagius to the Welsh name Morgan (compare quot. below) or to the Irish name Muirchú cannot be substantiated. The basis of this speculation is an association of the name Pelagius with Greek πέλαγος ocean (see pelagian adj.2) and thence the correspondence of that word in sense with the first element of the Celtic names (respectively Old Welsh mor , Early Irish muir sea: see mere n.1).
1645 E. Pagitt Heresiogr. (1662) 229
Pelagius..his name in Welsh was Morgan, which signifies the sea.
Compare Old English Pelagianisc (adjective and noun), in the same sense ( < post-classical Latin Pelagianus + -ish suffix1):
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.)
Ðæt Germanus se biscop mid Lupo to Breotene on scype cumende, ærest þæs sæs & æfter þam ðara Pelagianiscan hreohnysse mid godcunde mægene gestilde... Eft spryttendum þam twigum ðæs Pelagianiscan woles Germanus..him geedniwode þone stæpe rihtes geleafan.
A. n.
1 A believer in the doctrines of Pelagius or his followers, esp. in the denial of the transmission of original sin, and in the principle that human will is capable of good without the assistance of divine grace.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 500 (MED),
The sect of Pelagianys..helden that a man bi his fre wil mai deserue heuen withoute grace.
a1475 (1430) Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) 6876 (MED),
Affter roos vp heresyes, Oppynyouns & fantasyes, The ffeyth falsly for to greue..Somme wer callyd ‘Arryens’, And somme also ‘pellagyens’.
1532 T. More Confut. Barnes in Wks. (1557) 798/2
Sayncte Austin wrote..those woordes against..the Pelagians and the Celestians.
1553 Articles of Relig. ix,
Originall Sinne standeth not in the following of Adam, as the Pellagianes doe vainelie talke,..but it is the fault, and corruption of the nature of euery manne, that naturallie is engendred of the offspring of Adam.
1587 J. Penry Treat. Æquity Humble Supplic. 23
Shall Pellagians, Papists, Arians, &c. auoid the names and punishments of heretickes?
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage III. iii. 202
Heresies of the..Pelagians.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica i. ii. 6
The displeasure of the Pelagians must needs be irreconcileable, who peremptorily maintaining they can fulfill the whole Law, will insatisfactorily condemne the non-observation of one.
1706 J. Bingham Fr. Churches Apol. iii. x. 148
None ever disliked the Use of the Lord's-Prayer, but only the Pelagians.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Traducians,
A name the Pelagians anciently gave to the Catholicks, because of their teaching that original Sin was transmitted from Father to Children.
B. adj.1
Of, relating to, characteristic of, or associated with Pelagius or his doctrines. Also in extended use.
1543 (▸1464) Chron. J. Hardyng (1812) 110 (MED),
To their ydolatrye Greate people were then turned and peruerte, And greate also in Pilagien heresye Were accombred.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare To Rdr., sig. ¶ 2v,
The Pelagian Heretiques alleged [for themselves] S. Ambrose, S. Hierome, and S. Augustine.
1651 R. Baxter Plain Script. Proof 263
Origen..being a leader and Patron of the Pelagian error.
1697 R. South Serm. (1698) III. 45
Throughout all this Pelagian Scheme, we have not so much as one Word of Mans Natural Impotency to Spiritual Things.
1756 A. Butler Lives Saints I. 50
By his means Scotland was preserved from the Pelagian heresy.
Forms: 15–16 Pelagianisme, 15– Pelagianism, 17 Pelagenism...
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Pelagianismus (1530, Luther)
< Pelagianus Pelagian adj.1 + -ismus -ism suffix. N.E.D. (1904) gives only the pronunciation (pĭlēi·dʒiăniz'm) /pɪˈleɪdʒɪənɪz(ə)m/ .
The doctrines of Pelagius and his followers; belief in or advocacy of these doctrines.
1581 W. Allen Apol. Two Eng. Colleges f. 17v,
To him, whose predecessors..recouered vs from Paganisme, from Arianisme, from Pelagianisme, from Zuinglianisme.
1583 W. Fulke Def. Transl. Script. (1843) viii. 342
While you would seem to fly from Pelagianism, you fall into flat Pharisaism.
1651 R. Baxter Plain Script. Proof 313
This doctrine which hangs the efficacy of the Holy Ghost upon man's Will,..is downright Pelagianism.
1669 J. Owen in T. Gale True Idea Jansenisme Pref. sig. a4v,
Bradwardine..opposed the spreading of Pelagianisme in and over the Roman Church.
1716 M. Davies Athenæ Britannicæ I. Pref. 44
This Father Jansenist Cyran, was to attack the Pope's Supremacy, whilst Jansenius was a battering the Jesuits Pelagenism.
a1751 Visct. Bolingbroke Let. to Pope in Let. to Sir W. Windham (1753) 486
To assert antipodes might become once more as heretical as arianism, or pelagianism.
Pelagian, n.1 and adj.1
Forms:
lME Pellagyen, lME Pilagien (in a late copy), lME– Pelagian, 15 Pellagian,
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Pelagianus, noun and adjective (5th cent.)
< Pelagius , apparently a Latinized form (after pelagius : see pelagian adj.2 and n.2) of the name of a British theologian of the late 4th and 5th centuries, whose doctrines were fiercely combated by St Augustine, and condemned by Pope Zosimus in a.d. 418 + classical Latin -ānus -an suffix. Compare Middle French, French pélagien (c1407 as noun, 1655 as adjective).
Attempts to link the name Pelagius to the Welsh name Morgan (compare quot. below) or to the Irish name Muirchú cannot be substantiated. The basis of this speculation is an association of the name Pelagius with Greek πέλαγος ocean (see pelagian adj.2) and thence the correspondence of that word in sense with the first element of the Celtic names (respectively Old Welsh mor , Early Irish muir sea: see mere n.1).
1645 E. Pagitt Heresiogr. (1662) 229
Pelagius..his name in Welsh was Morgan, which signifies the sea.
Compare Old English Pelagianisc (adjective and noun), in the same sense ( < post-classical Latin Pelagianus + -ish suffix1):
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.)
Ðæt Germanus se biscop mid Lupo to Breotene on scype cumende, ærest þæs sæs & æfter þam ðara Pelagianiscan hreohnysse mid godcunde mægene gestilde... Eft spryttendum þam twigum ðæs Pelagianiscan woles Germanus..him geedniwode þone stæpe rihtes geleafan.
A. n.
1 A believer in the doctrines of Pelagius or his followers, esp. in the denial of the transmission of original sin, and in the principle that human will is capable of good without the assistance of divine grace.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 500 (MED),
The sect of Pelagianys..helden that a man bi his fre wil mai deserue heuen withoute grace.
a1475 (1430) Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) 6876 (MED),
Affter roos vp heresyes, Oppynyouns & fantasyes, The ffeyth falsly for to greue..Somme wer callyd ‘Arryens’, And somme also ‘pellagyens’.
1532 T. More Confut. Barnes in Wks. (1557) 798/2
Sayncte Austin wrote..those woordes against..the Pelagians and the Celestians.
1553 Articles of Relig. ix,
Originall Sinne standeth not in the following of Adam, as the Pellagianes doe vainelie talke,..but it is the fault, and corruption of the nature of euery manne, that naturallie is engendred of the offspring of Adam.
1587 J. Penry Treat. Æquity Humble Supplic. 23
Shall Pellagians, Papists, Arians, &c. auoid the names and punishments of heretickes?
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage III. iii. 202
Heresies of the..Pelagians.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica i. ii. 6
The displeasure of the Pelagians must needs be irreconcileable, who peremptorily maintaining they can fulfill the whole Law, will insatisfactorily condemne the non-observation of one.
1706 J. Bingham Fr. Churches Apol. iii. x. 148
None ever disliked the Use of the Lord's-Prayer, but only the Pelagians.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Traducians,
A name the Pelagians anciently gave to the Catholicks, because of their teaching that original Sin was transmitted from Father to Children.
B. adj.1
Of, relating to, characteristic of, or associated with Pelagius or his doctrines. Also in extended use.
1543 (▸1464) Chron. J. Hardyng (1812) 110 (MED),
To their ydolatrye Greate people were then turned and peruerte, And greate also in Pilagien heresye Were accombred.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare To Rdr., sig. ¶ 2v,
The Pelagian Heretiques alleged [for themselves] S. Ambrose, S. Hierome, and S. Augustine.
1651 R. Baxter Plain Script. Proof 263
Origen..being a leader and Patron of the Pelagian error.
1697 R. South Serm. (1698) III. 45
Throughout all this Pelagian Scheme, we have not so much as one Word of Mans Natural Impotency to Spiritual Things.
1756 A. Butler Lives Saints I. 50
By his means Scotland was preserved from the Pelagian heresy.
Photinus 4th century
Etymology:
< post-classical Latin Photinianus, adjective and noun (4th cent.)
< Photinus (Byzantine Greek Φωτεινός : see below), the name of a heretical 4th-cent. bishop of Sirmium + classical Latin -iānus -ian suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek Φωτεινιανός, noun, and German Photinianer, noun (1613 in a work title; compare also photinianisch, adjective, in the same source).
Byzantine Greek Φωτεινός represents a use as name of ancient Greek ϕωτεινός shining, bright (see Photinia n.).
Compare Middle English Fotyan (in an apparently isolated attestation; < post-classical Latin Photianus (4th cent.)) in the same sense:
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 499 (MED),
The sect of Fotyanys..helden that Crist was conceyued and bigete betwixe Ioseph and Marie bi fleischli deede.
A. n. A person whose understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity resembles that of Photinus, a heretical 4th-cent. bishop of Sirmium, who taught some form (variously interpreted) of Monarchianism.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare iv. 259
What if the Pope be an Heretique, as Liberius was an Arrian: Honorius an Eunomian: Anastasius was a Photinian?
1648 J. Owen Disc. Toleration in Wks. (1851) VIII. 179
[Grotianus] granted liberty to all sects but Manichees, Photinians and Eunomians.
1707 T. Milles Nat. Immortality of Soul ii. 20
None..(unless any one should except the Photinians) that did but own a Resurrection in general,..ever denyed its Universality.
a1773 A. Butler Moveable Feasts Catholic Church (1774) x. iii. 612
ervetus, in this book, declares himself no Photinian or Samosatenian.
B. adj. Of, relating to, or characteristic of Photinus or Photinianism.
1613 T. Fitzherbert Adioynder to Suppl. R. Persons Discuss. 383
Kings do adore, and doe the Photinian heretikes deny his diuinity?
1701 S. Hill Rights, Liberties, & Authorities Christian Church ii. xxiii. 77
Of the Petition made by this Council against the Photinian Conventicles in Sirmium,..I cannot make a clear Judgment.
1782 T. Lindsey Apol. iii. 123
This creed..has been aspersed in most outragious sort, as favouring the Photinian, or what is now called the Socinian heresy.
Derivatives
Phoˈtinianism n. the doctrine or heresy of Photinus or the Photinians.
1655 J. Owen Vindiciæ Evangelicæ sig. A2,
Of the Socinian religion there are two main parts; the first is Photinianisme, the latter Pelagianisme.
< post-classical Latin Photinianus, adjective and noun (4th cent.)
< Photinus (Byzantine Greek Φωτεινός : see below), the name of a heretical 4th-cent. bishop of Sirmium + classical Latin -iānus -ian suffix. Compare Byzantine Greek Φωτεινιανός, noun, and German Photinianer, noun (1613 in a work title; compare also photinianisch, adjective, in the same source).
Byzantine Greek Φωτεινός represents a use as name of ancient Greek ϕωτεινός shining, bright (see Photinia n.).
Compare Middle English Fotyan (in an apparently isolated attestation; < post-classical Latin Photianus (4th cent.)) in the same sense:
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 499 (MED),
The sect of Fotyanys..helden that Crist was conceyued and bigete betwixe Ioseph and Marie bi fleischli deede.
A. n. A person whose understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity resembles that of Photinus, a heretical 4th-cent. bishop of Sirmium, who taught some form (variously interpreted) of Monarchianism.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare iv. 259
What if the Pope be an Heretique, as Liberius was an Arrian: Honorius an Eunomian: Anastasius was a Photinian?
1648 J. Owen Disc. Toleration in Wks. (1851) VIII. 179
[Grotianus] granted liberty to all sects but Manichees, Photinians and Eunomians.
1707 T. Milles Nat. Immortality of Soul ii. 20
None..(unless any one should except the Photinians) that did but own a Resurrection in general,..ever denyed its Universality.
a1773 A. Butler Moveable Feasts Catholic Church (1774) x. iii. 612
ervetus, in this book, declares himself no Photinian or Samosatenian.
B. adj. Of, relating to, or characteristic of Photinus or Photinianism.
1613 T. Fitzherbert Adioynder to Suppl. R. Persons Discuss. 383
Kings do adore, and doe the Photinian heretikes deny his diuinity?
1701 S. Hill Rights, Liberties, & Authorities Christian Church ii. xxiii. 77
Of the Petition made by this Council against the Photinian Conventicles in Sirmium,..I cannot make a clear Judgment.
1782 T. Lindsey Apol. iii. 123
This creed..has been aspersed in most outragious sort, as favouring the Photinian, or what is now called the Socinian heresy.
Derivatives
Phoˈtinianism n. the doctrine or heresy of Photinus or the Photinians.
1655 J. Owen Vindiciæ Evangelicæ sig. A2,
Of the Socinian religion there are two main parts; the first is Photinianisme, the latter Pelagianisme.
Priscillianism
(Adherence to) the doctrines or principles of Priscillian.
1620 Bp. J. Hall Honor Married Clergie i. ix. 53
He beeing suspected of Priscillianisme, wrote affectly against that heresie.
1684 R. Baxter Catholick Communion Defended iv. 51
They..brought men of strict Religion under Suspicion of Priscillianism.
1754 J. Maclaurin Nature Eccl. Govt. 85
Those who did but fast and read more than ordinary..were brought under the suspicion of Priscillianism, and reproached.
1882 W. Smith & H. Wace Dict. Christian Biogr. III. 841/2
Priscillianism is usually..considered as a phase of Gnosticism.
1620 Bp. J. Hall Honor Married Clergie i. ix. 53
He beeing suspected of Priscillianisme, wrote affectly against that heresie.
1684 R. Baxter Catholick Communion Defended iv. 51
They..brought men of strict Religion under Suspicion of Priscillianism.
1754 J. Maclaurin Nature Eccl. Govt. 85
Those who did but fast and read more than ordinary..were brought under the suspicion of Priscillianism, and reproached.
1882 W. Smith & H. Wace Dict. Christian Biogr. III. 841/2
Priscillianism is usually..considered as a phase of Gnosticism.
Sabelliansim
The doctrinal conception of the Trinity as held by the followers of Sabellius; belief in the Sabellian doctrine of the Trinity.
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues (1713) Schol. 549
Sabellianism, which allows the Consubstantiality or Coequality in the Trinity.
1852 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1876) 4th Ser. xi. 104
A heresy known by the name of Sabellianism or Modal Trinity.
1907 J. R. Illingworth Doctr. Trinity vii. 127
To avoid Tritheism on the one hand,..and Sabellianism on the other.
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues (1713) Schol. 549
Sabellianism, which allows the Consubstantiality or Coequality in the Trinity.
1852 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1876) 4th Ser. xi. 104
A heresy known by the name of Sabellianism or Modal Trinity.
1907 J. R. Illingworth Doctr. Trinity vii. 127
To avoid Tritheism on the one hand,..and Sabellianism on the other.
Sethianism
A member of a Gnostic sect of the second century, holding Seth in great veneration, and believing that Christ was Seth revived.
1721 in N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict.
1780 N. Lardner Hist. Heretics ii. xiii, in Wks. (1788) IX. 449
Irenæus, at the conclusion of his first book, has two chapters, the first of Ophites and Sethians, whom he joins together.
1874 Blunt's Dict. Sects, etc.
1721 in N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict.
1780 N. Lardner Hist. Heretics ii. xiii, in Wks. (1788) IX. 449
Irenæus, at the conclusion of his first book, has two chapters, the first of Ophites and Sethians, whom he joins together.
1874 Blunt's Dict. Sects, etc.
Valentinus lived from c100 to c157.
Forms: Also 16 Valentinean.
Etymology:
< the name of Valentinus; see definition.
A. n. A follower of the Egyptian theologian Valentinus (fl. c150), founder of a Gnostic sect.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 497
The sect of Valentynyanys, whiche helden that Crist took no thing of Maries bodi.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. F. Staphylus Apologie 168 b,
The conflictes of Irenee with the Valentinians.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 2
As the olde Heretiques the Valentinians did.
1616 J. Bullokar Eng. Expositor,
Valentinians, certaine heretikes..who held opinion that our Sauiour receiued not his flesh of the blessed virgin Mary.
1701 tr. J. Le Clerc Lives Primitive Fathers 15
The Valentinians..learned what they said concerning the Generation of their Æones, of Hesiod.
1788 Gibbon Decline & Fall IV. 540 (note) ,
The Valentinians embraced a complex, and almost incoherent, system.
B. adj. Adhering or belonging to the Gnostic sect instituted by the heresiarch Valentinus; taught or disseminated by Valentinus or his followers.
1579 W. Fulke Confut. Treat. N. Sander in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 585
Yet came that estimation of the crosse from the Valentinian heretikes.
1673 H. Hickman Hist. Quinq-articularis 362,
I found that there were Valentinian Anabaptists in those days.
1702 L. Echard Gen. Eccl. Hist. iii. iv. 379
And now he made many Converts,..particularly Ambrosius, noted for the Valentinian Heresie.
1832 W. Palmer Origines Liturg. I. 149
As a sufficient means of proving the falsehood of the Valentinian doctrines.
1874 W. R. Cassels Supernat. Relig. II. ii. x. 214
He calls him the most noted man of the Valentinian school.
Valenˈtinianism n. the doctrine or creed of Valentinus and his followers.
1875 J. B. Lightfoot St. Paul's Epist. Coloss. & Philemon 331/2
The later Basilideans apparently influenced by Valentinianism superadded to the teaching of their founder.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul II. x. xlvii. 449
The word is tainted with Valentinianism.
Etymology:
< the name of Valentinus; see definition.
A. n. A follower of the Egyptian theologian Valentinus (fl. c150), founder of a Gnostic sect.
▸c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 497
The sect of Valentynyanys, whiche helden that Crist took no thing of Maries bodi.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. F. Staphylus Apologie 168 b,
The conflictes of Irenee with the Valentinians.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 2
As the olde Heretiques the Valentinians did.
1616 J. Bullokar Eng. Expositor,
Valentinians, certaine heretikes..who held opinion that our Sauiour receiued not his flesh of the blessed virgin Mary.
1701 tr. J. Le Clerc Lives Primitive Fathers 15
The Valentinians..learned what they said concerning the Generation of their Æones, of Hesiod.
1788 Gibbon Decline & Fall IV. 540 (note) ,
The Valentinians embraced a complex, and almost incoherent, system.
B. adj. Adhering or belonging to the Gnostic sect instituted by the heresiarch Valentinus; taught or disseminated by Valentinus or his followers.
1579 W. Fulke Confut. Treat. N. Sander in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 585
Yet came that estimation of the crosse from the Valentinian heretikes.
1673 H. Hickman Hist. Quinq-articularis 362,
I found that there were Valentinian Anabaptists in those days.
1702 L. Echard Gen. Eccl. Hist. iii. iv. 379
And now he made many Converts,..particularly Ambrosius, noted for the Valentinian Heresie.
1832 W. Palmer Origines Liturg. I. 149
As a sufficient means of proving the falsehood of the Valentinian doctrines.
1874 W. R. Cassels Supernat. Relig. II. ii. x. 214
He calls him the most noted man of the Valentinian school.
Valenˈtinianism n. the doctrine or creed of Valentinus and his followers.
1875 J. B. Lightfoot St. Paul's Epist. Coloss. & Philemon 331/2
The later Basilideans apparently influenced by Valentinianism superadded to the teaching of their founder.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul II. x. xlvii. 449
The word is tainted with Valentinianism.
Waldensian
Etymology:
< medieval Latin Wyclyvianus, or directly
< Wycliffe , -clif , etc.: see Wycliffite n. and adj.
†A. n. = Wycliffite n. Obs.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 184
Sicque a vulgo Wyclyff discipuli et Wyclyviani sive Lollardi vocati sunt.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 312
Idem archiepiscopus firmavit sententiam excommunicationis super Lollardos sive Wyclyvianos.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 965/2
Chaucer..semeth to bee a right Wicleuian.
1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 100
It had been easily answered, in that poynt, by the Wickleuians.
1654 H. Turberville Man. Controv. 47
Let him not cite the Wicklefians, for they held, That [etc.].
1717 M. Earbery in tr. A. Varillas Pretended Reformers Pref. p. vi,
Our new Allies the Lutherans, Calvinists, and Wickliffians.
B. adj. Of or pertaining to, characterizing the teaching of, Wycliffe or his followers.
1720 J. Lewis Hist. John Wicliffe 114
The Wicliffian Superstition which obliges the Ministers of the Church to be Beggars.
† Wycliffianism n. = Wycliffism n. Obs.—1
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues II. 90
That Principle of Wickleffianism,..which the Jesuites themselves so loudly hoot at.
< medieval Latin Wyclyvianus, or directly
< Wycliffe , -clif , etc.: see Wycliffite n. and adj.
†A. n. = Wycliffite n. Obs.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 184
Sicque a vulgo Wyclyff discipuli et Wyclyviani sive Lollardi vocati sunt.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 312
Idem archiepiscopus firmavit sententiam excommunicationis super Lollardos sive Wyclyvianos.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 965/2
Chaucer..semeth to bee a right Wicleuian.
1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 100
It had been easily answered, in that poynt, by the Wickleuians.
1654 H. Turberville Man. Controv. 47
Let him not cite the Wicklefians, for they held, That [etc.].
1717 M. Earbery in tr. A. Varillas Pretended Reformers Pref. p. vi,
Our new Allies the Lutherans, Calvinists, and Wickliffians.
B. adj. Of or pertaining to, characterizing the teaching of, Wycliffe or his followers.
1720 J. Lewis Hist. John Wicliffe 114
The Wicliffian Superstition which obliges the Ministers of the Church to be Beggars.
† Wycliffianism n. = Wycliffism n. Obs.—1
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues II. 90
That Principle of Wickleffianism,..which the Jesuites themselves so loudly hoot at.
Wycliffe lived from c1320 to 1384.
Etymology:
< medieval Latin Wyclyvianus, or directly
< Wycliffe , -clif , etc.: see Wycliffite n. and adj.
†A. n. = Wycliffite n. Obs.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 184
Sicque a vulgo Wyclyff discipuli et Wyclyviani sive Lollardi vocati sunt.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 312
Idem archiepiscopus firmavit sententiam excommunicationis super Lollardos sive Wyclyvianos.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 965/2
Chaucer..semeth to bee a right Wicleuian.
1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 100
It had been easily answered, in that poynt, by the Wickleuians.
1654 H. Turberville Man. Controv. 47
Let him not cite the Wicklefians, for they held, That [etc.].
1717 M. Earbery in tr. A. Varillas Pretended Reformers Pref. p. vi,
Our new Allies the Lutherans, Calvinists, and Wickliffians.
B. adj. Of or pertaining to, characterizing the teaching of, Wycliffe or his followers.
1720 J. Lewis Hist. John Wicliffe 114
The Wicliffian Superstition which obliges the Ministers of the Church to be Beggars.
† Wycliffianism n. = Wycliffism n. Obs.—1
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues II. 90
That Principle of Wickleffianism,..which the Jesuites themselves so loudly hoot at.
< medieval Latin Wyclyvianus, or directly
< Wycliffe , -clif , etc.: see Wycliffite n. and adj.
†A. n. = Wycliffite n. Obs.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 184
Sicque a vulgo Wyclyff discipuli et Wyclyviani sive Lollardi vocati sunt.
c1400 Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 312
Idem archiepiscopus firmavit sententiam excommunicationis super Lollardos sive Wyclyvianos.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 965/2
Chaucer..semeth to bee a right Wicleuian.
1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 100
It had been easily answered, in that poynt, by the Wickleuians.
1654 H. Turberville Man. Controv. 47
Let him not cite the Wicklefians, for they held, That [etc.].
1717 M. Earbery in tr. A. Varillas Pretended Reformers Pref. p. vi,
Our new Allies the Lutherans, Calvinists, and Wickliffians.
B. adj. Of or pertaining to, characterizing the teaching of, Wycliffe or his followers.
1720 J. Lewis Hist. John Wicliffe 114
The Wicliffian Superstition which obliges the Ministers of the Church to be Beggars.
† Wycliffianism n. = Wycliffism n. Obs.—1
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues II. 90
That Principle of Wickleffianism,..which the Jesuites themselves so loudly hoot at.
ADDITIONAL VARIOUS INFORMATION
According the Encyclopedia Britannica (1771 edition), "all ancient heretics took the name" Gnostic.
The average time lapse between the death of the heretic and the introduction into English of a word relating to the heresy is roughly 798 years. Luther is the only heretic who was alive when an adjective of his followers, Lutheran, entered the language. The heretic with the least amount of time passing between death and an introduction of a word, 16 years, is Wycliffe. It is interesting to note that Wycliffe was English. Either Wycliffe was not as influential as is thought or his lifetime is not accurately known.
Please note, Gentle Reader, that the heresies of the Cathars (1574), Pelagius (1583), Arius (1600), Petrist (a disciple of Peter the Lombard of the 12th century, 1600), Mani (1626), Apollinaris (1659) and Albigeneses (Albi, a French town and Cathar stronghold, 1692) date from the conclusion of the Council of Trent (1545 to 1563). Petrobusian (Peter of Bruys (12th century) dates from circa 1559.
Please note, Gentle Reader, that the heresies of the Cathars (1574), Pelagius (1583), Arius (1600), Petrist (a disciple of Peter the Lombard of the 12th century, 1600), Mani (1626), Apollinaris (1659) and Albigeneses (Albi, a French town and Cathar stronghold, 1692) date from the conclusion of the Council of Trent (1545 to 1563). Petrobusian (Peter of Bruys (12th century) dates from circa 1559.
|
Gnostic (B1)
Gnostic (1) Gnostic (1b) Gnosticism Gnosticize Gnosis Gnostic (1C) Gnostical Gnosticity Gnostic (2) Gnostic (1B) |
1563-refering to Heretics
1656 1664 1664 1664 1703 1800 1820 1830 1838 1888 |
The above list of Gnostic related words have an average age of 1736 with a standard deviation of 91 years. Word within the standard deviation (1645 to 1827) are bold.
The images below show the spread of select Gnostic beliefs between the 3rd and 14th centuries.
The images below show the spread of select Gnostic beliefs between the 3rd and 14th centuries.
Addenda, October, 2014
Our usual practice is to not include citations after the year 1800. However, due to the lack of references to the ancient Gnostics in the English language, we include citations to the year 1900 for a clearer understanding of Gnostics and Gnosticism.
1563 N. Winȝet Wks. (1890) II. 51
Iowis, Gentilis, and thai callit Gnostici. Marg. Sua nameit for ostentatioun of thare science.]
1607 T. Rogers Faith, Doctr., & Relig. 6
Some, as the Gnostikes..affirme there be mo[r]e Gods then one.
1641 J. Wilkins Mercury x. 84
From such idle collections as these, many heresies of the..Gnosticks had their first beginnings.
1645 Milton Tetrachordon To Parl. sig. A2,
Thought new and dangerous by some of our severe Gnostics, whose little reading..holds ever with hardest obstinacy that which it took up with easiest credulity.
1656 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. II. v. 83
The Souls of the Gods have a dijudicative faculty, called Gnostick.
1664 H. More Antidote Idolatry To Rdr. sig. O 2 a,
Though it be indeed but a spice of the old abhorred Gnosticism.
1664 H. More Expos. 7 Epist. 37
Too many began to Gnosticize, as it is called, in that point, and think it a small thing to deny the Faith in the time of Persecution.
1703 S. Parker tr. Eusebius Eccl. Hist. 19
Peter and John..had..receiv'd the Gnosis, or Gift of Knowledge, from him after his Resurrection.
1713 R. Nelson Life Bp. Bull §69. 394
Till Platonism and Gnosticism crept into the Church.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Gnosimachi,
They were perfectly averse to all the Gnosis of Christianity, i. e. to all the Science, or Knowledge therein.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris §187
The Gnostics, Basilidians, and other ancient heretics.
1792 T. Taylor in tr. Proclus Philos. & Math. Comm. (new ed.) I. Diss. p. xiv,
They [the numbers] exist in a vital, gnostic, and speculative, but not in an operative manner.
1800 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. 8 797
Their disciples..have formed in the different churches an interior gnostic or illuminated order, rather than independent congregations.
1819 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 5 681
Mr. Seward..threw over to us a letter written in a large gnostic sprauling hand.
1823 Scott St. Ronan's Well I. iv. 89
This is the very fellow that we saw down at the Willow-slack on Saturday—he was tog'd gnostically enough, and cast twelve yards of line with one hand.
1823 Scott St. Ronan's Well I. v. 120,
I said you were a d——d gnostic fellow, and I laid a bet you have not been always professional.
1826 J. Wilson in Blackwood's Mag. 20 782
Smoking and leering, with tongue-lolling cheek, finger-tip and nose-tip gnostically brought together.
1828 E. B. Pusey Hist. Enq. 163
The old error of the Gnostical interpreters in the early Church was thus revived.
1830 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 28 581
The philosophy of a Bacon,..the wisdom of a Wordsworth, the genius of a Byron, the gnosticity of a John Bee.
1838 Penny Cycl. XI. 281/1
The origin of the Gnostic system has been traced to various sources.
1838 Penny Cycl. XI. 281/2
Gnosticism is merely a generic term, and..included many sects that differed considerably from each other.
1840 G. S. Faber Primitive Doctr. Regeneration xvi,
They..occupied themselves, not very profitably, in gnosticising upon the virtues of Celibacy.
1840 G. S. Faber Primitive Doctr. Regeneration xviii,
Let all the Fathers..gnosticise ever so copiously on Fasting and Celibacy.
1842 G. S. Faber Provinc. Lett. (1844) II. 31
Clement would gnosticise his words as spiritually and covertly importing: I cultivate [etc.].
1842 G. S. Faber Provinc. Lett. (1844) II. 49
Under the new and gnosticising aspect of its being inherently a State of greater Moral Purity and Perfection than [etc.].
1850 R. C. Trench Notes Parables (ed. 2) Introd. 22
The horrible dream of Gnostic and Manichæan.
1851 Bunsen Hippolytus (1854) I. 108
The writers of those Ophite books were acquainted with the Gospel [of St. John] and attempted to Gnosticize it.
1851 D. Wilson Archaeol. & Prehist. Ann. Scotl. (1863) II. iv. ii. 223
A Gnostic gem of agate, on which a z-formed symbol is twice repeated.
1851 D. Wilson Archaeol. & Prehist. Ann. Scotl. (1863) II. iv. ii. 224
The early phases of Gnostic philosophy.
1854 F. D. Maurice Moral Philos. (ed. 2) II. 26
Saturninus is memorable in history as the author of one of the so-called gnostical heresies.
1854 F. D. Maurice Moral Philos. (ed. 2) II. 28
The Gnosis would take its colour from every different locality, from every different thinker. There must be a Syrian Gnosis and an Alexandrian Gnosis [etc.].
1856 R. A. Vaughan Hours with Mystics (1860) II. viii. vii. 76
Behmen and the mystics..essay to pass the ordinary bounds of knowledge and to attain a priviledged gnosis.
1856a W. Hamilton Lect. Metaphysics (1859) II. xli. 415
The distinction taken in the Peripatetic School, by which the mental modifications were divided into Gnostic or Cognitive, and Orectic or Appetent.
1859 Trollope West Indies (1860) v. 76
It [punch] should partake duly of the..spirit and..the saccharine according to the skill and will of the gnostic fabricator, who in mixing knows his own purposes.
1865 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Rationalism I. iii. 224
Gnosticism exercised a very great influence over Christian art.
1871 J. F. Clarke Ten Great Relig. (1888) I. vi. §7. 255
The common Christian lives by faith, but the more advanced believer has gnosis, or philosophic insight of Christianity as the eternal law of the soul.
1877 J. C. Geikie Life of Christ (1879) xxviii. 315
The Christian Gnostics began to make likenesses of him.
1880 Encycl. Brit. XI. 854/2
Attempts to Christianize paganism, to conciliate Judaism, or to gnosticize Christianity.
1881 Athenæum 2 Apr. 460/1
Dr. Joel in his monograph..has advanced the knowledge..of mystical and Gnostical passages in this book [the Talmud].
1884 D. Hunter tr. E. Reuss Hist. Canon iv. 65
Another struck by the mystical and speculative spirit of the Fourth Gospel and recognizing..some colouring of his own gnosis [etc.].
1884 Nonconformist & Independent 10 Oct. 975/1
Gnostic pride will continue to feed itself on doctrine that leads to no action.
1885 W. E. Addis & T. Arnold Catholic Dict. (ed. 3) 375/1
In Alexandria, the Gnostic tendencies gathered life and strength.
1888 R. Flint in Mind XIII. 596
Idealism is not necessarily either gnostic or agnostic, but is more apt to be the former than the latter.
Our usual practice is to not include citations after the year 1800. However, due to the lack of references to the ancient Gnostics in the English language, we include citations to the year 1900 for a clearer understanding of Gnostics and Gnosticism.
1563 N. Winȝet Wks. (1890) II. 51
Iowis, Gentilis, and thai callit Gnostici. Marg. Sua nameit for ostentatioun of thare science.]
1607 T. Rogers Faith, Doctr., & Relig. 6
Some, as the Gnostikes..affirme there be mo[r]e Gods then one.
1641 J. Wilkins Mercury x. 84
From such idle collections as these, many heresies of the..Gnosticks had their first beginnings.
1645 Milton Tetrachordon To Parl. sig. A2,
Thought new and dangerous by some of our severe Gnostics, whose little reading..holds ever with hardest obstinacy that which it took up with easiest credulity.
1656 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. II. v. 83
The Souls of the Gods have a dijudicative faculty, called Gnostick.
1664 H. More Antidote Idolatry To Rdr. sig. O 2 a,
Though it be indeed but a spice of the old abhorred Gnosticism.
1664 H. More Expos. 7 Epist. 37
Too many began to Gnosticize, as it is called, in that point, and think it a small thing to deny the Faith in the time of Persecution.
1703 S. Parker tr. Eusebius Eccl. Hist. 19
Peter and John..had..receiv'd the Gnosis, or Gift of Knowledge, from him after his Resurrection.
1713 R. Nelson Life Bp. Bull §69. 394
Till Platonism and Gnosticism crept into the Church.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Gnosimachi,
They were perfectly averse to all the Gnosis of Christianity, i. e. to all the Science, or Knowledge therein.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris §187
The Gnostics, Basilidians, and other ancient heretics.
1792 T. Taylor in tr. Proclus Philos. & Math. Comm. (new ed.) I. Diss. p. xiv,
They [the numbers] exist in a vital, gnostic, and speculative, but not in an operative manner.
1800 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. 8 797
Their disciples..have formed in the different churches an interior gnostic or illuminated order, rather than independent congregations.
1819 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 5 681
Mr. Seward..threw over to us a letter written in a large gnostic sprauling hand.
1823 Scott St. Ronan's Well I. iv. 89
This is the very fellow that we saw down at the Willow-slack on Saturday—he was tog'd gnostically enough, and cast twelve yards of line with one hand.
1823 Scott St. Ronan's Well I. v. 120,
I said you were a d——d gnostic fellow, and I laid a bet you have not been always professional.
1826 J. Wilson in Blackwood's Mag. 20 782
Smoking and leering, with tongue-lolling cheek, finger-tip and nose-tip gnostically brought together.
1828 E. B. Pusey Hist. Enq. 163
The old error of the Gnostical interpreters in the early Church was thus revived.
1830 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 28 581
The philosophy of a Bacon,..the wisdom of a Wordsworth, the genius of a Byron, the gnosticity of a John Bee.
1838 Penny Cycl. XI. 281/1
The origin of the Gnostic system has been traced to various sources.
1838 Penny Cycl. XI. 281/2
Gnosticism is merely a generic term, and..included many sects that differed considerably from each other.
1840 G. S. Faber Primitive Doctr. Regeneration xvi,
They..occupied themselves, not very profitably, in gnosticising upon the virtues of Celibacy.
1840 G. S. Faber Primitive Doctr. Regeneration xviii,
Let all the Fathers..gnosticise ever so copiously on Fasting and Celibacy.
1842 G. S. Faber Provinc. Lett. (1844) II. 31
Clement would gnosticise his words as spiritually and covertly importing: I cultivate [etc.].
1842 G. S. Faber Provinc. Lett. (1844) II. 49
Under the new and gnosticising aspect of its being inherently a State of greater Moral Purity and Perfection than [etc.].
1850 R. C. Trench Notes Parables (ed. 2) Introd. 22
The horrible dream of Gnostic and Manichæan.
1851 Bunsen Hippolytus (1854) I. 108
The writers of those Ophite books were acquainted with the Gospel [of St. John] and attempted to Gnosticize it.
1851 D. Wilson Archaeol. & Prehist. Ann. Scotl. (1863) II. iv. ii. 223
A Gnostic gem of agate, on which a z-formed symbol is twice repeated.
1851 D. Wilson Archaeol. & Prehist. Ann. Scotl. (1863) II. iv. ii. 224
The early phases of Gnostic philosophy.
1854 F. D. Maurice Moral Philos. (ed. 2) II. 26
Saturninus is memorable in history as the author of one of the so-called gnostical heresies.
1854 F. D. Maurice Moral Philos. (ed. 2) II. 28
The Gnosis would take its colour from every different locality, from every different thinker. There must be a Syrian Gnosis and an Alexandrian Gnosis [etc.].
1856 R. A. Vaughan Hours with Mystics (1860) II. viii. vii. 76
Behmen and the mystics..essay to pass the ordinary bounds of knowledge and to attain a priviledged gnosis.
1856a W. Hamilton Lect. Metaphysics (1859) II. xli. 415
The distinction taken in the Peripatetic School, by which the mental modifications were divided into Gnostic or Cognitive, and Orectic or Appetent.
1859 Trollope West Indies (1860) v. 76
It [punch] should partake duly of the..spirit and..the saccharine according to the skill and will of the gnostic fabricator, who in mixing knows his own purposes.
1865 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Rationalism I. iii. 224
Gnosticism exercised a very great influence over Christian art.
1871 J. F. Clarke Ten Great Relig. (1888) I. vi. §7. 255
The common Christian lives by faith, but the more advanced believer has gnosis, or philosophic insight of Christianity as the eternal law of the soul.
1877 J. C. Geikie Life of Christ (1879) xxviii. 315
The Christian Gnostics began to make likenesses of him.
1880 Encycl. Brit. XI. 854/2
Attempts to Christianize paganism, to conciliate Judaism, or to gnosticize Christianity.
1881 Athenæum 2 Apr. 460/1
Dr. Joel in his monograph..has advanced the knowledge..of mystical and Gnostical passages in this book [the Talmud].
1884 D. Hunter tr. E. Reuss Hist. Canon iv. 65
Another struck by the mystical and speculative spirit of the Fourth Gospel and recognizing..some colouring of his own gnosis [etc.].
1884 Nonconformist & Independent 10 Oct. 975/1
Gnostic pride will continue to feed itself on doctrine that leads to no action.
1885 W. E. Addis & T. Arnold Catholic Dict. (ed. 3) 375/1
In Alexandria, the Gnostic tendencies gathered life and strength.
1888 R. Flint in Mind XIII. 596
Idealism is not necessarily either gnostic or agnostic, but is more apt to be the former than the latter.
