ˌnikəˈlāət ə n noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle English Nicholaite Nicolaitan (from Greek Nikolaitēs follower of Nicolaus, from Nikolaos Nicolaus, a reputed heretic + -itēs -ite) + English -an
1. : one of a group reproved in Rev. 2:6, 14-15 and generally associated with those who were rebuked for eating things offered to idols and for fornication
2. : one of a group of 3d century antinomian Gnostics
3.
[Medieval Latin Nicolaitae, plural, Nicolaitans, heretics (from Greek Nikolaitai, plural of Nikolaitēs ) + English -an ]
: one of the married or concubinary clergy in the medieval period ; also : an opponent of clerical celibacy