pedobaptists
|pe-do-bap-tists|
🇺🇸
/ˌpiːdoʊˈbæptɪsts/
🇬🇧
/ˌpiːdəˈbæptɪsts/
(pedobaptist)
supporter of infant baptism
Etymology
'pedobaptist' originates from New Latin/Greek, specifically from Greek elements 'pais/paid-' (παῖς) meaning 'child' and 'baptizein' (βαπτίζειν) meaning 'to dip, to baptize'.
'pedobaptist' changed from Neo-Latin forms such as 'pedobaptista' and the alternative spelling 'paedobaptist' used in Early Modern English theological writings; the term entered English usage in debates over baptism and persisted into modern English as 'pedobaptist' (or 'paedobaptist').
Initially, it meant 'one who baptizes or supports baptizing children/infants', and over time it has retained that specialized meaning as 'a supporter or proponent of infant baptism'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'pedobaptist'; people who support or practice infant baptism (the baptism of infants or young children).
Pedobaptists argued that infants of believing parents should receive baptism as part of the covenant community.
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Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of pedobaptists or the practice of infant baptism.
The debate included pedobaptist positions on covenant theology.
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Last updated: 2025/12/13 23:24