the theory that the state should have authority over the church in ecclesiastical matters
Derived forms
Erastian (Eˈrastian)
noun, adjective
Word origin
C17: named after Thomas Erastus (1524–83), Swiss theologian to whom such views were attributed
Erastianism in American English
(iˈræstʃəˌnɪzəm, -tiəˌnɪz-)
noun
the doctrine, advocated by Thomas Erastus, of the supremacy of the state over the church in ecclesiastical matters
Word origin
[1675–85; erastian + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1675–85. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: denature, explorer, muscular, stoma, upstream-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)