Dippers
Noun 1. A Christian denomination: A specific Baptist denomination, historically known for its founding principles and distinctive baptismal practice. * Key Characteristics: Founded in 1708 in America by settlers of German descent. Traditionally opposed to military service and the swearing of legal oaths. Historically practiced a specific form of baptism called "trine immersion."
- Capitalization: The term is typically capitalized as "Dippers" when referring specifically to this historical religious group, as it is a proper noun.
- Historical Context: This definition refers to a specific historical Christian group. In modern usage, the common noun "dippers" (lowercase) is far more frequently encountered, referring to utensils or birds. The denominational use is now largely historical or specialized.
- The Dippers, also known as the German Baptist Brethren, established several communities in Pennsylvania.
- Due to their pacifist beliefs, members of the Dippers refused to serve in the militia.
- Historical/Religious Studies Context: The term is used in academic or historical writing to describe this particular denomination and its role in American religious history. It is often synonymous with "German Baptist Brethren," an earlier name for the group that later became known as the Church of the Brethren.
- Dunker: (noun) A historical synonym for a member of the Dippers denomination, derived from their practice of immersion baptism ("dunking").
- Church of the Brethren: (proper noun) The main modern denomination that evolved from the historical Dippers/Dunkers.
- dipper: (common noun, lowercase) A type of ladle or scoop for lifting liquid. Also, a common name for birds of the genus (e.g., the American dipper) that feed by dipping into water.
- German Baptist Brethren (historical)
- Dunkers (historical)
- Brethren (in a specific historical context)
This entry defines "Dippers" as a proper noun for a religious group. It is crucial to distinguish this from the far more common word "dipper" (a common noun), which means: 1. A cup-shaped container with a long handle, used for ladling liquids. 2. A small bird that feeds in streams, known for its bobbing motion. * Example (common noun): She used a dipper to serve the soup.
- a Baptist denomination founded in 1708 by Americans of German descent; opposed to military service and taking legal oaths; practiced trine immersion