Definition

1. Noun:

   • A member of the Society of Jesus: A Roman Catholic religious order of priests founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, known for its work in education, missionary activity, and scholarship.

2. Adjective (Jesuitical):

   • Characteristic of Jesuits or their principles or methods: Often used to describe something related to the intellectual, educational, or spiritual approach of the Jesuit order. In a broader, sometimes pejorative sense, it can connote cunning or casuistic reasoning.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The university was founded by a Jesuit in the 16th century.
  • He studied under the guidance of a learned Jesuit.

• Adjective:

  • The school is known for its rigorous Jesuit education.
  • His argument was criticized for being overly subtle and Jesuitical.

Advanced Usage

• "Jesuitical reasoning": Refers to complex, subtle, and sometimes perceived as overly clever or deceptive argumentation, stemming from historical controversies about Jesuit moral theology (casuistry).
  • The politician's Jesuitical defense failed to convince the public.

Variants and Related Words

• Jesuitical (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of Jesuits; often implies subtle or equivocal reasoning.
• Jesuitism (n): The system, principles, or practices of the Jesuits.
• Society of Jesus: The full name of the Jesuit order.

Synonyms

• Noun: Member of the Society of Jesus.
• Adjective (in the pejorative sense): Casuistic, sophistic, cunning, equivocal.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To be a Jesuit": Can be used literally to mean being a member of the order, or figuratively to suggest someone who is very clever, disciplined, or perceived as scheming.
  • He argued his case like a Jesuit, leaving no logical loophole.

Adjective

1. having qualities characteristic of Jesuits or Jesuitism
   • Jesuitical education

Noun

1. a member of the Jesuit order