n. [ L. baptista, Gr. baptisth`s. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. One who administers baptism; -- specifically applied to John, the forerunner of Christ. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. One of a denomination of Christians who deny the validity of infant baptism and of sprinkling, and maintain that baptism should be administered to believers alone, and should be by immersion. See Anabaptist. [ 1913 Webster ] In doctrine the Baptists of this country [ the United States ] are Calvinistic, but with much freedom and moderation. Amer. Cyc. [ 1913 Webster ] Freewill Baptists, a sect of Baptists who are Arminian in doctrine, and practice open communion. -- Seventh-day Baptists, a sect of Baptists who keep the seventh day of the week, or Saturday, as the Sabbath. See Sabbatarian. The Dunkers and Campbellites are also Baptists. [ 1913 Webster ]
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