Definition of "latitudinarian" [lat•i•tu•di•na•ri•an]

• Holding or expressing broad or tolerant views, especially in religious matters. (adjective)
• A member of a group of Anglican Christians active from the 17th through the 19th century who were opposed to dogmatic positions of the Church of England and allowed reason to inform theological interpretation and judgment. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Arminianism became a positive aid to the growth of toleration in England; for it became what was called latitudinarian, -- that is, broad in temper, inclusive in spirit, and desirous of bringing all the nation within the limits of one harmonizing and noble-minded church."
• "Several of the bishops were, in fact, "latitudinarian" or "Arminian" in doctrine, wanderers from the severity of Knox and Calvin."
• ""latitudinarian" novels constitute a remarkable portion of the recent romantic literature of Germany, we perceive has entered a convent."