I. ˈsep(ə)rə̇]d.ə̇st, -pəˌrā], ]tə̇- noun
( -s )
Etymology: separate (II) + -ist
1. : a dissenter from an established church: as
a. usually capitalized : a Congregationalist or English Independent of the 16th and 17th centuries ; especially : one separating from the Church of England : nonconformist
those Separatists who founded the Plymouth colony in America
b. : a member of a congregation of no generally recognized denomination
c. : zoarite
2. often capitalized , archaic : one that observes strict piety and morality : pharisee
3. often capitalized : an advocate of political autonomy or independence : revolutionary , secessionist
sided with Quebec separatists in their struggles against … federal usurpation of power — M.S.Stewart
4. : an advocate of segregation
separatists in the matter of church and state — F.J.B.Flynn
• sep·a·ra·tis·tic |sep(ə)rə|tistik\ adjective
II. adjective
Usage: often capitalized
1. : of, relating to, or characteristic of separatists
2. : advocating separatism