anti-vestmentarian
|an-ti-vest-men-tar-i-an|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.vɛst.mɛnˈtɛr.i.ən/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.vɛst.mɛnˈtɛə.ri.ən/
against clerical vestments
Etymology
'anti-vestmentarian' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against'), the noun 'vestment' (from Latin 'vestimentum' meaning 'garment'), and the adjectival/agentive suffix '-arian' (from Latin '-arius', meaning 'pertaining to' or 'connected with').
'anti-vestmentarian' developed in the context of the 16th–17th century English vestments controversy: 'vestment' came into English via Old French and Middle English from Latin 'vestimentum', and the combination with 'anti-' and '-arian' produced the modern compound describing opposition to clerical vestments.
Initially it referred specifically to opponents of clerical vestments in the context of Protestant church disputes; over time it has retained that specialized meaning and is used more broadly of anyone opposed to ceremonial clerical dress.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who opposes the use of clerical or liturgical vestments (ceremonial religious garments); historically, a member or supporter of movements against the wearing of such vestments.
During the 17th-century church debates, many anti-vestmentarian refused to accept clergy who insisted on ceremonial dress.
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Adjective 1
opposed to the use of clerical or liturgical vestments; expressing or characterized by opposition to ceremonial religious dress.
The parish adopted anti-vestmentarian policies, forbidding ornate garments during services.
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Last updated: 2025/11/24 23:05