I. ˈpyu̇r-ə-tən noun
Etymology: probably from Late Latin puritas purity
Date: circa 1567
1. capitalized : a member of a 16th and 17th century Protestant group in England and New England opposing as unscriptural the ceremonial worship and the prelacy of the Church of England
2. : one who practices or preaches a more rigorous or professedly purer moral code than that which prevails
II. adjective
Usage: often capitalized
Date: 1581
: of or relating to puritans, the Puritans, or puritanism