/bap"tist/ , n.
1. a member of a Christian denomination that baptizes believers by immersion and that is usually Calvinistic in doctrine.
2. ( l.c. ) a person who baptizes.
3. the Baptist . See John the Baptist .
adj.
4. Also, Baptistic . of or pertaining to Baptists or their doctrines or practices.
[ 1150-1200; ME baptiste baptista baptistés, equiv. to bapt ( ízein ) to BAPTIZE + - istes -IST ]