† ˈeven-ˈChristian Obs.
Forms: (see even a. and Christian).
[f. even- + Christian: cf. OFris. ivinkerstena, OHG. ebanchristani (MHG. ebenkristen).]
A fellow-Christian.
| ? c 1100 Laws Edw. Conf. §36 Fratrem suum..quod Angli dicunt his emcristen. c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 65 Luue þine euecristene. Ibid. 149 Reuþe for his emcristenes wawe. c 1340 Hampole Prose Tr. 21 Envy and ire ayene thyne even cristene. c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. ¶521 Worschip of God, and helping of thin even cristen. 1450–1530 Myrr. our Ladye 99 Some longe to god, somme to oure selfe and some to our euen crysten. 1544 Exhort. in Priv. Prayers (1851) 568 Brotherly love..toward all our even Christen. 1552 Latimer Serm. Lord's Prayer vii. 51 To hate his euen Christian or to do other manner of sinnes. 1602 Shakes. Ham. v. i. 32 The more pitty that great folke should haue countenance..to drowne or hang themselues, more then their euen Christian. |