The word "Puseyite" is pronounced as /pjuːziːaɪt/ and refers to a member of the Oxford Movement, a religious movement which advocated a return to traditional forms of worship within the Church of England. The word is spelled with a "u" instead of the more common "e" due to its origin from the surname of Edward Bouverie Pusey, a prominent figure of the movement. The suffix "-ite" is added to describe a follower or adherent of a particular doctrine or belief.
Puseyite is a term used to describe a member or follower of the religious movement associated with Edward Pusey, a prominent figure of the Oxford Movement in the 19th century. The term originates from Pusey's last name. This movement sought to revive certain traditional Catholic practices and doctrines within the Church of England.
The Oxford Movement emerged as a response to theological and liturgical reforms taking place within the Church of England during the Victorian era. Pusey, along with other leading proponents like John Henry Newman and John Keble, aimed to reintroduce pre-Reformation practices and emphasize the importance of sacraments, liturgy, and ritualism in worship.
Puseyites were known for their adherence to high church principles and their opposition to the growing influence of Protestantism within Anglicanism. They advocated for a robust theology and sought to reestablish Catholic traditions, such as the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the veneration of saints. Despite being within the Anglican tradition, Puseyites were often seen as leaning towards Roman Catholicism in their beliefs and practices.
Today, the term Puseyite is generally considered archaic and is rarely used. However, it continues to hold historical significance in understanding the development of Anglicanism during the 19th century.
One who holds the principles of Dr Pusey, and endeavours to introduce them into the service of the Ch. of Eng.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Puseyite" is derived from the name of E.B. Pusey, an Anglican theologian who played a prominent role in the mid-19th-century Oxford Movement.
The Oxford Movement was a religious reform movement within the Church of England that aimed to bring back elements of Catholicism and revive Catholic practices and rituals. Pusey was one of the leading figures of this movement and advocated for a high church theology, emphasizing Catholic traditions and doctrines.
As the term "Puseyite" gained popularity, it was used to refer to those who followed or supported Pusey's teachings and practices. It initially emerged as a critical or derogatory term used by opponents of the Oxford Movement to label its adherents.
The etymology itself is straightforward, with "Puseyite" simply serving as a demonym derived from the name of E.B. Pusey.