patripassian Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pa`tri*pas"sian noun

Etymology

LL. Patripassiani, pl.; L. pater father + pati, passus, to suffer: cf. F. patripassiens.

Definitions

1. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a body of believers in the early church who denied the independent preëxistent personality of Christ, and who, accordingly, held that the Father suffered in the Son; a monarchian. -- Pa`tri*pas"sian*ism n.