Mennonite
[ men-uh-nahyt ]
/ ˈmɛn əˌnaɪt /
noun
a member of an evangelical Protestant sect, originating in Europe in the 16th century, that opposes infant baptism, practices baptism of believers only, restricts marriage to members of the denomination, opposes war and bearing arms, and is noted for simplicity of living and plain dress.
Origin of Mennonite
1555–65; < German
Mennonit; named after
Menno Simons (1492–1559), Frisian religious leader; see
-ite1
OTHER WORDS FROM Mennonite
Men·no·nit·ism, nounExample sentences from the Web for mennonites
British Dictionary definitions for mennonites
Mennonite
/ (ˈmɛnəˌnaɪt) /
noun
a member of a Protestant sect that rejects infant baptism, Church organization, and the doctrine of transubstantiation and in most cases refuses military service, public office, and the taking of oaths
Derived forms of Mennonite
Mennonitism, nounWord Origin for Mennonite
C16: from German
Mennonit, after
Menno Simons (1496–1561), Frisian religious leader
Cultural definitions for mennonites
Mennonites
A Protestant denomination, founded in the early days of the Reformation, whose members believe in living with great simplicity and who refuse to hold public office or to serve in the military. Some are as strict as the Amish in rejecting modern conveniences, such as automobiles and radios. There are numerous Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania and the Middle West.