Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Baptist
Bap′tist
(băp′tĭst)
, Noun.
[L.
baptista
, Gr. βαπτιστής
.] 1.
One who administers baptism; – specifically applied to John, the forerunner of Christ.
Milton.
2.
One of a denomination of Christians who deny the validity of infant baptism and of sprinkling, and maintain that baptism should be administered to believers alone, and should be by immersion. See
Anabaptist
. In doctrine the Baptists of this country [the United States] are Calvinistic, but with much freedom and moderation.
Amer. Cyc.
Freewill Baptists
, a sect of Baptists who are Arminian in doctrine, and practice open communion.
– Seventh-day Baptists
, a sect of Baptists who keep the seventh day of the week, or Saturday, as the Sabbath. See
Sabbatarian
. The Dunkers and Campbellites are also Baptists.Webster 1828 Edition
Baptist
BAP'TIST
,Noun.
31
appropriately given to John, the forerunner of Christ.
2.
As a contraction of Anabaptist, one who denies the doctrine of infant baptism, and maintains that baptism ought to be administered only to adults by immersing the body in water.