noun / adjective
papist
PAY-pist/ˈpeɪpɪst/
A usually derogatory term for a Roman Catholic or something associated with Roman Catholicism.
The hostile man insults the Catholic worshipper by calling him a papist.
Etymology
The formation identifies someone as an adherent of the pope, acknowledging Rome's supreme religious authority. Historically, it was usually an anti-Catholic label of contempt rather than a neutral description.
In context
each clause containing a separate thorn for the side of the papist, and as it was known
More examples
- The old letter dismisses her as a papist.
- The preacher condemns what he calls “papist rituals.”
- She objects to “papist” as an insulting name for a Catholic.
Forms
papist · papists
Similar words
- Catholic
- Catholic is the standard, neutral term, without the insult.