Cath·ar (k th är)n. pl. Cath·a·ri (-  -r  ) or Cath·ars A member of a Christian sect flourishing in western Europe in the 12th and 13th centuries that professed a dualistic belief emphasizing ascetic renunciation of the world and was condemned by the Church as heretical. [French Cathare, from sing. of Medieval Latin Cathar , from Late Greek Katharoi, from pl. of Greek katharos, pure.]Cath ar adj.Cath a·rism n.Cath a·rist adj. & n. |
Catharism
the beliefs of several sects in medieval Europe, especially the denial of infant baptism, purgatory, the communion of saints, images, and the doctrine of the Trinity; the abrogation of the institution of marriage; and the practice of rigorous asceticism. — Cathar, Cathari, Catharist, n. — Catharistic, adj.
See also: Heresy
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | Catharism - a Christian movement considered to be a medieval descendant of Manichaeism in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries; characterized by dualism (asserted the coexistence of two mutually opposed principles, one good and one evil); was exterminated for heresy during the Inquisition heresy, unorthodoxy - a belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion Christian religion, Christianity - a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior |
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