Hypertext Webster Gateway: "dissenter"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

2. (Eccl.) One who separates from the service and worship of
an established church; especially, one who disputes the
authority or tenets of the Church of England; a
nonconformist.

Dissenters from the establishment of their several
countries. --Burke.

Robert Brown is said to have the first formal
dissenter. --Shipley.

Note: ``The word is commonly applied only to Protestants. The
Roman Catholics are generally referred to as a distinct
class.'' --Brande & C.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

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