What is "supralapsarian"

Supralapsarian \Su`pra*lap*sa"ri*an\, n. [Supra- + lapse: cf. F. supralapsaire.] (Eccl. Hist.) One of that class of Calvinists who believed that God's decree of election determined that man should fall, in order that the opportunity might be furnished of securing the redemption of a part of the race, the decree of salvation being conceived of as formed before or beyond, and not after or following, the lapse, or fall. Cf. Infralapsarian.

Supralapsarian \Su`pra*lap*sa"ri*an\, a. Of or pertaining to the Supralapsarians, or their doctrine.

1630s, with -ian + supralapsary, from supra- + Latin lapsus (see lapse (n.)). The opposite of infralapsarian.

n. A follower of supralapsarianism.