† Aˈcephalist Obs. rare.
[f. ἀκέϕαλ-ος + -ist.]
One who professes the doctrines of the (Ecclesiastical) Acephali; one who acknowledges no head or superior.
| 1659 Gauden Eccl. Angl. Susp. 464, I ask these Acephalists, who will indure no head but that on their own shoulders, whether the City of London is worse governed, because it hath a Lord Maior among and above the Aldermen and Common Councel. 1696 Phillips, Acephalists, a sort of Hereticks, whose first founder is unknown; also Vagabond Clergymen, having neither King nor Bishop for their Head. |