millenarian

American  

[mil-uh-nair-ee-uhn] / ˌmɪl əˈnɛər i ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to a thousand, especially the thousand years of the prophesied millennium.

2. of or relating to the millennium, especially of Christian prophecy, or millennialism.

   millenarian zeal.

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noun

1. a believer in the coming of the millennium.

millenarian British  

/ ˌmɪlɪˈnɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to a thousand or to a thousand years

2. of or relating to the millennium or millenarianism

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noun

1. an adherent of millenarianism

Other Word Forms

• millenarianism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of millenarian

First recorded in 1545–55; millenary + -an

Explanation

Anything millenarian relates to the Christian idea that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will bring 1000 years of peace and joy. A millennium is a thousand years, so anything millenarian relates to one thousand years — but not any thousand years. This is a specifically Christian concept relating to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In some sects of the Christian religion, it's believed that the return of Jesus will lead an amazing new era that will last a thousand years. These are millenarian ideas, and they're part of millenarian theology. A novel based on these ideas could be called millenarian fiction.

Example Sentences

But the Millenarian error is not so much as insinuated.

From The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March by Butler, Alban

Many a tract-provided ranter May upbraid me, dark and sour, Many a bland Utilitarian Or excited Millenarian, —“Pereunt et imputantur You must speak to every hour.”

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 23 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

But the dearest friend of Mr Glowry, and his most welcome guest, was Mr Toobad, the Manichaean Millenarian.

From Nightmare Abbey by Peacock, Thomas Love

At one time he was an opponent of Millenarian views—he then became strenuous in their favour—now he has returned to his original opinions, and opposes them as warmly as before. 

From The London Pulpit by Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing)

Carew, a Millenarian, submitted to his trial, "saving to our Lord Jesus Christ his right to the government of these kingdoms."

From The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part F. From Charles II. to James II. by Hume, David