I. ˈbaptə̇st, ÷ˈbabtə̇-, ÷ˈbabdə̇- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English baptiste, from Old French, from Late Latin baptista, from Greek baptistēs, from baptizein to baptize — more at baptize
1. : one that baptizes
2. capitalized : a member or adherent of a denomination of Trinitarian Protestant Christians that are congregational in polity and for the most part doctrinally Calvinistic and maintain that baptism should be administered by immersion to believers only
II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
: of or relating to Baptists or their doctrines and practices