congregationalism

[ kong-gri-gey-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. a form of Protestant church government in which each local religious society is independent and self-governing.
2. (initial capital letter) the system of government and doctrine of Congregational churches.

Congregationalism

/ ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a system of Christian doctrines and ecclesiastical government in which each congregation is self-governing and maintains bonds of faith with other similar local congregations

Derived Forms

• ˌCongreˈgationalist, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• congre·gation·al·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of congregationalism¹

First recorded in 1640–50; congregational + -ism

Example Sentences

Preston Congregationalism is a very good, a very respectable, and a very quarrelsome creature.

From Project Gutenberg

I must now pass from local and personal affairs to notice a movement in Congregationalism at large.

From Project Gutenberg

(for their sakes we say it,) the Congregationalism of New-England governs it.

From Project Gutenberg

Congregationalism is not largely represented in Kensington, and mainly centres in one or two Churches, viz.

From Project Gutenberg

Congregationalism was still in the ascendancy when it ceased to banish Baptists and to whip Quakers.

From Project Gutenberg