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Waldensian

Waldensian

1 9.9
A person who belongs to a Christian group that began in the 1100s in northern Italy and France
  • noun
  • /wɔːlˈdɛnziən/
: valdense
  • The Waldensians faced persecution for their beliefs in medieval Europe.

Examples

  • A small community of Waldensians still exists in northern Italy today.

  • Historians study the influence of the Waldensians on later Protestant movements.

  • The Waldensians faced persecution for their beliefs in medieval Europe.

  • The Waldensian community has a rich history in the Alps.

  • Many Waldensians faced persecution during the Middle Ages.

  • A small community of Waldensians still exists in northern Italy today.

  • Historians study the influence of the Waldensians on later Protestant movements.

Synonyms

Waldenses
vsWaldensian
1 9.9

People who belonged to a Christian group from southern France that later followed Calvinist beliefs

focuses on the original followers of Peter Waldo rather than later doctrinal shifts
Vaudois
vsWaldensian
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A member of a Christian group from southern France that began in the 12th century and later followed Calvin

centers on original teachings of Peter Waldo rather than later Calvinist changes

Surface Forms

Waldensian singular
Waldensians plural

Morphology

Waldensian = Waldo (semi-transparent) = Waldo + ian

The derivation from a proper name with the relational suffix '-ian' is clear, but recognizing the specific historical group requires extra knowledge.

Etymology

Waldensian is named after Peter Waldo and means a person who followed his Christian teaching in the 12th century. So, a Waldensian is a member of that movement, especially in parts of northern Italy and France.