sectary

American  

[sek-tuh-ree] / ˈsɛk tə ri /

noun

sectaries plural

1. a member of a particular sect, especially an adherent of a religious body regarded as heretical or schismatic.

2. a Protestant of nonconformist denomination, especially a minor one.

3. a person zealously devoted to a particular sect.

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sectary British  

/ ˈsɛktərɪ /

noun

1. a member of a sect, esp a person who belongs to a religious sect that is regarded as heretical or schismatic

2. a person excessively devoted to a particular sect

3. a member of a Nonconformist denomination, esp one that is small

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• sectaries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sectary

1550–60; < Medieval Latin sectārius, equivalent to sect ( a ) sect + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

The latter was commissioned by the home sectary and Sir Ken.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

An ex-senior adviser recalled being sent a document about a reform agenda and a permanent sectary ordering them to "just bin it immediately".

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2023

Yet the gentle-voiced priest had tamed his open hatred somewhat; so before he lay down the sectary sat long in moody silence staring at the other with glinting eyes, as though fit speech failed him.

From Prisoners of Chance The Story of What Befell Geoffrey Benteen, Borderman, through His Love for a Lady of France by Parrish, Randall

His treatment of them was on a broader and higher plane than that of the sectary.

From Dr. John McLoughlin, the Father of Oregon by Holman, Frederick Van Voorhies

The Puritan had appropriated one of De Noyan's hats, broad of brim, and so ample of crown the high peaked head of the worthy sectary was almost lost within its capacious interior.

From Prisoners of Chance The Story of What Befell Geoffrey Benteen, Borderman, through His Love for a Lady of France by Parrish, Randall