Covenanter
|co-ven-an-ter|
🇺🇸
/kəˈvɛnəntər/
🇬🇧
/kəˈvɛnəntə/
signers/supporters of a covenant (especially 17th-century Scottish Presbyterians)
Etymology
'Covenanter' originates from English, specifically from the word 'covenant' combined with the agentive suffix '-er' (one who does or is associated with). 'Covenant' itself comes via Old French 'covenant' (present participle of covenir) from Latin 'convenire' meaning 'to come together' or 'agree'.
'Covenanter' formed in Early Modern English (17th century) from Middle English 'covenant' (from Old French 'covenant'), used to denote those who subscribed to the National Covenant; the base 'covenant' developed from Latin 'convenire' through Old French.
Originally it could mean simply 'one who makes or is bound by a covenant'; over time, especially in the 17th century, it acquired the specific historical meaning 'a member or supporter of the Scottish Presbyterian movement who signed the National Covenant or Solemn League and Covenant.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member or supporter of the 17th-century Scottish Presbyterian movement who subscribed to the National Covenant (1638) or the Solemn League and Covenant (1643); historically, a Scottish Presbyterian opposed to royal interference in church affairs.
Many Covenanters faced persecution for resisting royal attempts to control the church.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person who makes, binds themselves by, or upholds a covenant (a solemn agreement or promise), especially in a religious context.
In many religious traditions a covenanter pledges to live according to the terms of the covenant.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/23 11:11