n. [ A corruption of Mahomet or Mohammed, the Arabian prophet: cf. Pr. Bafomet, OSp. Mafomat, OPg. Mafameda. ] An idol or symbolical figure which the Templars were accused of using in their mysterious rites. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. same as baptize. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

prop. n. A genus of North American plants with showy pealike flowers and an inflated pod.
Syn. -- genus Baptisia. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ OE. baptim, baptem, OF. baptesme, batisme, F. baptême, L. baptisma, fr. Gr. ba`ptisma, fr. bapti`zein to baptize, fr. ba`ptein to dip in water, akin to baqy`s deep, Skr. gāh to dip, bathe, v. i. ] The act of baptizing; the application of water to a person, as a sacrament or religious ceremony, by which he is initiated into the visible church of Christ. This is performed by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. baptismal. ] Pertaining to baptism; as, baptismal vows. [ 1913 Webster ]

Baptismal name, the Christian name, which is given at baptism. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a baptismal manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. baptista, Gr. baptisth`s. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. One who administers baptism; -- specifically applied to John, the forerunner of Christ. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One of a denomination of Christians who deny the validity of infant baptism and of sprinkling, and maintain that baptism should be administered to believers alone, and should be by immersion. See Anabaptist. [ 1913 Webster ]

In doctrine the Baptists of this country [ the United States ] are Calvinistic, but with much freedom and moderation. Amer. Cyc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Freewill Baptists, a sect of Baptists who are Arminian in doctrine, and practice open communion. --
Seventh-day Baptists, a sect of Baptists who keep the seventh day of the week, or Saturday, as the Sabbath. See Sabbatarian. The Dunkers and Campbellites are also Baptists. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Gr. baptistiko`s. ] Of or for baptism; baptismal. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Baptistic. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

{ n.; pl. Baptisteries Baptistries [ L. baptisterium, Gr. baptisth`rion: cf. F. baptistère. ] (Arch.) (a) In early times, a separate building, usually polygonal, used for baptismal services. Small churches were often changed into baptisteries when larger churches were built near. (b) A part of a church containing a font and used for baptismal services. [ 1913 Webster ]