primitive church

noun

1. the early Christian church, especially in reference to its earliest form and organization.
2. this church, especially as representative of Christianity in its supposedly purest form.

Word History and Origins

Origin of primitive church¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

The primitive church, indeed, treasured up these memories of moral heroism as her most precious legacy to after times.

From Project Gutenberg

Prominent among these is the Catacomb of St. Priscilla, one of the noblest monuments of the primitive church.

From Project Gutenberg

He pushed his conformity to what he considered the usages of the Primitive Church to the verge of eccentricity.

From Project Gutenberg

The tact which guided the primitive Church in all this was admirable.

From Project Gutenberg

It was usual in the primitive church to place crowns of flowers on the heads of deceased virgins.

From Project Gutenberg