Pelagian

American  

[puh-ley-jee-uhn, -juhn] / pəˈleɪ dʒi ən, -dʒən /

noun

1. a follower of Pelagius, who denied original sin and believed in freedom of the will.

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adjective

1. of or relating to Pelagius or Pelagianism.

Pelagian ¹ British  

/ pɛˈleɪdʒɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Pelagius or his doctrines

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noun

1. an adherent of the doctrines of Pelagius

pelagian ² British  

/ pɛˈleɪdʒɪən /

adjective

1. of or inhabiting the open sea

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Other Word Forms

• Pelagianism noun

Etymology

Origin of Pelagian

1525–35; < Late Latin Pelagiānus; -an

Example Sentences

“It’s the Pelagian vision,” he wrote.

From Seattle Times

“It’s like Anthony Burgess’s idea that Pelagian liberalism alternates historically with Augustinian conservatism,” he said.

From The Guardian

He had one already about the shape of his tonsure, and the usual one about the date of Barter, as well as his own Pelagian business—but the latest was beginning to make him feel as if the presence of children was unnecessary.

From Literature

The genius and the virtue that might have defended the Empire were engaged in fierce disputes about the Pelagian controversy, at the very time when Alaric was encircling Rome with his armies,312 and there was no subtlety of theological metaphysics which did not kindle a deeper interest in the Christian leaders than the throes of their expiring country.

From Project Gutenberg

In fine, there'll be nothing sectarian In Germany's National Church; And the pedants, Pelagian and Arian, Will be knocked from their petulant perch; All paltry divisions 'twill level That tend to enfeeble the Hun, And the worship of God and the Devil Will merge into one.

From Project Gutenberg