from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Baptist \Bap"tist\ (b[a^]p"t[i^]st), n. [L. baptista, Gr.
baptisth`s.]
[1913 Webster]
1. One who administers baptism; -- specifically applied to
John, the forerunner of Christ. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
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}.
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Note: In doctrine the Baptists of this country [the United
States] are Calvinistic, but with much freedom and
moderation. --Amer. Cyc.
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{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.
[1913 Webster] Baptistery