Quaker

[ kwey-ker ]

noun

1. a popular name for a member of the Society of Friends.

Quaker

/ ˈkweɪkə /

noun

1. a member of the Religious Society of Friends, a Christian sect founded by George Fox about 1650, whose central belief is the doctrine of the Inner Light. Quakers reject sacraments, ritual, and formal ministry, hold meetings at which any member may speak, and have promoted many causes for social reform

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating the Religious Society of Friends or its religious beliefs or practices

Quaker

1. A member of the Religious Society of Friends. The Quakers are a group of Christians (see also Christian ) who use no scripture and believe in great simplicity in daily life and in worship. Their services consist mainly of silent meditation.

Notes

Quakers have traditionally been committed to pacifism .

Pennsylvania was settled by a group of Quakers fleeing religious persecution.

Derived Forms

• ˈQuakerism, noun
• ˈQuakerish, adjective
• ˈQuakeress, noun:feminine

Other Words From

• an·ti-Quak·er adjective noun
• Quak·er·ish Quak·er·like adjective
• non-Quak·er noun adjective
• non-Quak·er·ish adjective
• pro-Quak·er adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Quaker¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; quake + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of Quaker¹

C17: originally a derogatory nickname, alluding either to their alleged ecstatic fits, or to George Fox's injunction to " quake at the word of the Lord"

Example Sentences

The replaced woman, by the way, was Elizabeth Fry, a Quaker philanthropist who successfully campaigned for prison reform and better conditions in mental asylums in 19th-century England.

From Freakonomics

Humility, however, is one Quaker attribute that Pearson never exhibited — in his career or his personal life.

From Washington Post

Edward Hicks included the arch in one of more than five dozen paintings depicting his Quaker fantasy of an Edenic “Peaceable Kingdom” on Earth.

From Washington Post

Smith was said to have stressed the Quaker values of simplicity, plain-speaking and self-effacement.

From Washington Post

Other producers, including the Quaker Mill Company, jumped on board, with several mills merging into the American Cereal Company in 1891, retaining the smiling mascot of a man in Quaker garb.

From Washington Post

One was a Quaker school, whose name he can no longer recall, in upstate New York.

From The Daily Beast

The Quaker Chewy Dipps Chocolate Chip granola bar is more than 40 percent sugar by weight.

From The Daily Beast

A single packet of Quaker Maple and Brown Sugar instant oatmeal, though, contains a full tablespoon of sugar.

From The Daily Beast

Quaker did not return a request for comment at the time of publishing.

From The Daily Beast

A Modern Orthodox Jew, a Buddhist and a Quaker walk into…the Capitol?

From The Daily Beast

They certainly were attractive specimens of their race, and the Quaker miller who offered them had a most benignant countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

I know a good farmer wouldn't let even a well-trained Quaker cow into his best meadow; even I know that!

From Project Gutenberg

Exchange bows, of course, if a Quaker will bow; but I'm too happy to-day to be disturbed by talk with him.

From Project Gutenberg

That splendid old Quaker gentleman has just left here, and has made me such a generous offer.

From Project Gutenberg

We learned this in conversation with a sweet-faced, quiet-mannered lady who had all the Quaker characteristics.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• shock
• temblor
• upheaval