latitudinarian, a. and n.
(ˌlætɪtjuːdɪˈnɛərɪən)
[f. L. lātitūdin-, lātitūdo latitude, after trinitarian, etc. Cf. F. latitudinaire.]
A. adj. Allowing, favouring, or characterized by latitude in opinion or action, esp. in matters of religion; not insisting on strict adherence to or conformity with an established code, standard, formula, etc.; tolerating free thought or laxity of belief on religious questions; characteristic of the latitudinarians (see B).
| 1672–1702 T. Comber Comp. Temple 368 There were no such Latitudinarian Principles among the Apostles. 1697 Collier Ess. Mor. Subj. i. (1709) 166 When you have made the most of it, I foresee this Latitudinarian Love will be expensive. 1733 Let. to Mr. Holden 26 in Ellys Plea for Sacram. Test. (1790) 39 The prevailing opinion of England is Latitudinarian. 1794 Sullivan View Nat. V. 200 There was a latitudinarian harmony..among the religions of the ancient world. 1812 Shelley Proposals Prose Wks. 1888 I. 273 It is a very latitudinarian system of morality that permits its professor to employ bad means for any end whatever. 1822–34 Good's Study Med. (ed. 4) IV. 470 Herpes..being..by others extended so widely as to include both the preceding and the ensuing genus..and in the latitudinarian sense of the term, it is employed by Mr. B. Bell. 1827 Hallam Const. Hist. (1876) III. xiv. 56 The men most conspicuous in the reign of Charles II..were of the class who had been denominated Latitudinarian divines. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. vii. II. 182 His opinions respecting ecclesiastical polity and modes of worship were latitudinarian. 1858 Longfellow in Life (1891) II. 360 The sermon..very latitudinarian in doctrine. |
B. n. One who practises or favours latitude in thought, action, or conduct, esp. in religious matters; spec. one of those divines of the English Church in the 17th century, who, while attached to episcopal government and forms of worship, regarded them as things indifferent; hence, one who, though not a sceptic, is indifferent as to particular creeds and forms of church government or worship.
| 1662 S. P. New Sect Latitude-men 7 Our Latitudinarians..are by all means for a Liturgy. 1669 Pepys Diary 16 Mar., Dr. Wilkins, my friend, the Bishop of Chester..is a mighty rising man, as being a Latitudinarian. 1676 Wycherley Pl. Dealer i. i, Why, thou art a Latitudinarian in Friendship, that is no Friend; thou dost side with all Mankind, but wilt suffer for none. a 1680 Butler Rem. (1759) II. 177 A Latitudinarian..believes the Way to Heaven is never the better for being strait. 1684 J. Goodman Old Relig. (1848) 42 To be such Latitudinarians, as to think it indifferent what religion a man be of. 1696 Phillips (ed. 5), Latitudinarians in Religion, are those who profess a Freedom, and as it were a greater Latitude than usual in their Principles and Doctrine. It is also vulgarly applied to such as take a more than ordinary Liberty in their Lives and Conversations. a 1700 B. E. Dict. Cant. Crew, Latitudinarian, a Churchman at large, one that is no Slave to Rubrick..and in fine looks towards Lambeth, and rowes to Geneva. 1705 Hearne Collect. 22 Nov. (O.H.S.) I. 92 This Discourse is a Justification of a Latitudinarian (the word was first hatch'd at Cambridge) against ye Zealous Nonconformists. 1753 Wesley Eng. Dict., Latitudinarian, one who fancies all religions are saving. 1822 Syd. Smith Wks. (1867) II. 6 These latitudinarians leant to Arminianism rather than to high Calvinism. 1859 All Year Round No. 28. 38, ‘I am afraid going abroad has made you a latitudinarian’, she said, anxiously. 1862 R. Vaughan Nonconformity 393 According to Baxter, the Latitudinarians were mostly Cambridge men. |