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

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 ]