episcopalian, a. and n.
(ɪˌpɪskəʊˈpeɪlɪən)
[f. late L. episcopāli-s (see episcopal a. and n.) + -an.]
A. adj.
1. Belonging to an episcopal church, esp. (usually with initial capital) to the Anglican Church.
| 1768 in Chauncy Lett. 66 The numbers and size of episcopalian churches. 1796 Morse Amer. Geog. I. 454 The Episcopalian churches are respectable. 1840 Sir J. Stephen Eccl. Biog. (1850) II. 405 A long line of episcopal and episcopalian successors. 1844 S. Wilberforce Hist. Prot. Episc. Ch. Amer. (1846) 440 In New York, where the Episcopalian body is possessed of endowments, free churches have been opened for the poor. |
2. Of an episcopal character. rare.
| 1822 Blackw. Mag. XI. 431 A wig, the episcopalian dimensions of which were reduced to suit it the better to the climate. 1822 T. L. Peacock Maid Marian ix, The departure of king Richard from England was succeeded by the episcopalian regency of the Bishops of Ely and Durham. |
B. n. a. An adherent of episcopacy. b. (Usually with initial capital.) One who belongs to an episcopal church; esp. a member of the Anglican Church.
| 1738 Neal Hist. Purit. IV. 77 The Episcopalians were at this time excepted from a legal toleration. 1764 Secker Answ. Mayhew's Observ. (R.), We are considered as..professed episcopalians. 1824 Coleridge Aids Refl. (1848) I. 7 The diffusion of light and knowledge through this kingdom..by Episcopalians and Puritans, from Edward VI. to the Restoration, was as wonderful as it is praiseworthy. 1825 Ld. Cockburn Mem. 305 Our episcopalians used to be so few that, etc. 1844 S. Wilberforce Hist. Prot. Episc. Ch. Amer. (1846) 98 They would not hear of granting to Episcopalians the most ordinary toleration. |
Hence Episcoˈpalianism, the principles distinctive of an Episcopalian. Episcoˈpalianize v., to make (a person) an Episcopalian. Episcoˈpalianized ppl. a.
| 1846 Eclectic Rev. Feb. 233 Is not episcopalianism itself brought into question? 1865 Wright Hist. Caricat. xxi. (1875) 360 The Puritans..looked upon Episcopalianism as differing in little from popery. 1886 Pall Mall G. 30 Mar. 11/1 The Presbyterian religion..would have suited the people..much better than our Episcopalianism. 1837 J. Lang New S. Wales II. 258 The Episcopalianized Scots Presbyterian. |