precisian

American  

[pri-sizh-uhn] / prɪˈsɪʒ ən /

noun

1. a person who adheres punctiliously to the observance of rules or forms, especially in matters of religion.

2. one of the English Puritans of the 16th and 17th centuries.

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precisian British  

/ prɪˈsɪʒən /

noun

1. a punctilious observer of rules or forms, esp in the field of religion

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Other Word Forms

• precisianism noun

Etymology

Origin of precisian

First recorded in 1565–75; precise + -ian

Example Sentences

A precisian might of course, were he so disposed, take up the ground that the report of the Committee when made ought to be monosyllabic, "Yes" or "No."

From A Short History of the Book of Common Prayer by Huntington, William Reed

His public career shows more of the doctrinaire and precisian than can be found in any other one of these.

From The Brothers' War by Reed, John Calvin

There was, moreover, perhaps some genuine dislike, and certainly a good deal of precisian condemnation, of the "Wardour Street" dialect.

From The English Novel by Saintsbury, George

"Why, you are not turned precisian or puritan, fool?" said Lord Glenvarloch, laughing, though, betwixt resentment and shame, it cost him some trouble to do so.

From The Fortunes of Nigel by Scott, Walter, Sir

The man, affrighted at this apparition, Upon recovery grew a great precisian.

From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn