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Papist: meaning, definitions and examples

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papist

 

[ ˈpeɪpɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious affiliation

A papist is a term used to refer to a Roman Catholic, often used derogatorily by Protestants. It implies a strong adherence to the authority of the Pope and the doctrines of the Catholic Church.

Synonyms

Roman Catholic, catholic

Examples of usage

  • The papist beliefs were often criticized by reformers.
  • He identified as a papist and attended mass regularly.
  • The pamphlet targeted papists and their practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "papist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 papista

🇮🇳 पैपिस्ट

🇩🇪 Papist

🇮🇩 papis

🇺🇦 папіст

🇵🇱 papista

🇯🇵 カトリック教徒

🇫🇷 papiste

🇪🇸 papista

🇹🇷 papist

🇰🇷 가톨릭 신자

🇸🇦 بابوي

🇨🇿 papežský

🇸🇰 papežský

🇨🇳 教皇教徒

🇸🇮 papežec

🇮🇸 páfaskur

🇰🇿 папист

🇬🇪 პაპისტი

🇦🇿 papist

🇲🇽 papista

Word origin

The term 'papist' dates back to the 16th century. It originated from the Middle English word 'papist', derived from the Latin word 'papa', meaning 'father' or 'pope', combined with the suffix '-ist' indicating a person associated with a particular doctrine or faith. It was initially used in a neutral context but gradually took on a pejorative connotation, especially during the Protestant Reformation when Protestant groups sought to differentiate themselves from Roman Catholic beliefs. As a result, 'papist' became a term of derision used by Protestants to criticize the perceived excesses and corruptions of Catholicism, highlighting the conflict and division within Christianity at that time. Over the centuries, its use has diminished, though it can still be encountered in historical texts and discussions regarding religious identities.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,773 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.