Waldenses

plural noun

Wal·​den·​ses wȯl-ˈden(t)-(ˌ)sēz How to pronounce Waldenses (audio)
wäl-
: a Christian sect arising in southern France in the 12th century, adopting Calvinist doctrines in the 16th century, and later living chiefly in Piedmont
Waldensian adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Waldensis, from Medieval Latin Waldenses, Valdenses, from Peter Waldo (or Valdo)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Waldenses was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near Waldenses

Cite this Entry

“Waldenses.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Waldenses. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Waldenses

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!