Papist (Noun)
Meaning
An offensive term for Roman Catholics; originally, a Roman Catholic who was a strong advocate of the papacy.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Usages
Examples
- The radical Protestant reformers frequently labeled their opponents as papists and agents of the devil.
- He was called a papist by the locals for attending Mass at the old stone church.
- During the English Reformation, Catholics who remained loyal to the Pope were pejoratively labeled papists by their Protestant counterparts.
- Many people viewed him with suspicion and labeled him a papist for his devout faith.
- In 16th-century England, to be labeled a papist could lead to severe persecution, even imprisonment or execution.