Wiktionary
n. (plural of Circumcellion English)
Wikipedia
The Circumcellions or Agonisticis (as called by Donatists) were bands of Berbers considered as heretical Christian extremists in North Africa in the early to mid-4th century. They were initially concerned with remedying social grievances, but they became linked with the Donatist sect. They condemned property and slavery, and advocated free love, canceling debt, and freeing slaves. Donatists prized martyrdom and had a special devotion for the martyrs, rendering honours to their graves.
The term "Circumcellions" was coined by others, based on "circum cellas euntes", they go around larders, because "they roved about among the peasants, living on those they sought to indoctrinate."
Usage examples of "circumcellions".
We are not afraid of the severity of the Donatists, the mad suicide of the Circumcellions, the lust of the Bogomils, the proud purity of the Albigensians, the flagellants’ need for blood, the evil madness of the Brothers of the Free Spirit: we know them all and we know the root of their sins, which is also the root of our holiness.
The leaders of the Circumcellions assumed the title of captains of the saints.
The spirit of the Circumcellions was not always exerted against their defenceless enemies.
In the beginning of the present century, the example of the Circumcellions has been renewed in the persecution, the boldness, the crimes, and the enthusiasm of the Camisards.
The numerous circumstances which Augustin has mentioned, of the fury of the Circumcellions against others, and against themselves, have been laboriously collected by Tillemont, Mem.
The leaders of the Circumcellions assumed the title of captains of the saints.
The spirit of the Circumcellions was not always exerted against their defenceless enemies.
In the beginning of the present century, the example of the Circumcellions has been renewed in the persecution, the boldness, the crimes, and the enthusiasm of the Camisards.
The numerous circumstances which Augustin has mentioned, of the fury of the Circumcellions against others, and against themselves, have been laboriously collected by Tillemont, Mem.