Fraticelli

plural noun

Frat·​i·​cel·​li

ˌfratəˈchelē

: any of several small Christian sects existing chiefly in Italy from the 13th to the 15th centuries and having some connection with the Franciscans: such as

a

: a band of seceders from the Franciscan order under the leadership of Angelo de Clareno (1247–1337)

b

: the Spirituals or Spiritual Franciscans who revolted against the order and defied many popes

c

: the followers of Michael of Cesena (1270–1342) who defended a theory of poverty and property for monks and ecclesiastics generally

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of fraticello, literally, little brother, diminutive of frate brother

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