Nonconformist

Nonconformist

Noun / Adjective · /ˌnɒn.kənˈfɔː.mɪst/

Definition

(Noun) a person who does not conform to established norms, conventions, or doctrines; historically, a Protestant in England who dissented from the doctrines or practices of the Church of England after the Act of Uniformity of 1662; (Adjective) not conforming to prevailing norms or conventions.

Origin

From non- (Latin: not) + conformist, from conform (from Latin conformare: to shape in accordance with, from con-: together + formare: to form, from forma: shape). The capitalized Nonconformist having a precise historical meaning: a Protestant who refused to conform to the Act of Uniformity 1662, which required use of the revised Book of Common Prayer and episcopal ordination. This act ejecting approximately 2,000 clergy from the Church of England — the Great Ejection. The resulting Nonconformist denominations including Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, and later Methodists and Quakers.