Puritans

1. A group of radical English Protestants that arose in the late sixteenth century and became a major force in England during the seventeenth century. Puritans wanted to “purify” the Church of England by eliminating traces of its origins in the Roman Catholic Church . In addition, they urged a strict moral code and placed a high value on hard work ( see work ethic ). After the execution of King Charles I in 1649, they controlled the new government, the Commonwealth . Oliver Cromwell , who became leader of the Commonwealth, is the best-known Puritan.

Notes

The words puritan and puritanical have come to suggest a zeal for keeping people from enjoying themselves.

Many Puritans, persecuted in their homeland, came to America in the 1620s and 1630s, settling colonies that eventually became Massachusetts . ( See Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony .)

Example Sentences

He didn't believe in the hierarchies imposed by puritans.

From BBC

But his reign soon was overshadowed by civil war between supportive royalists and Oliver Cromwell’s “Roundheads,” also known as puritans.

From Seattle Times

Our nation was founded by puritans, so as soon as people had a laugh over Santos, inevitably someone would shake their finger disapprovingly.

From Salon

Republicans are quickly learning that most Americans really aren't the puritans they imagine them to be.

From Salon

“This country was founded by puritans, and many of those repressive attitudes linger on,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times