Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of the Religious Society of Friends: A person who belongs to a Christian religious movement, also known as the Society of Friends, founded by George Fox in the 17th century. Members are known for their emphasis on direct personal experience of God, pacifism, simplicity, and social equality. Note: The term "Quaker" was originally applied by others; members traditionally refer to themselves as "Friends."
   • (archaic) One who quakes or trembles: A person who shakes, especially from fear or strong emotion.

Examples

• Noun:
  • William Penn was a prominent Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania.
  • The Quaker meeting was held in silence, waiting for the Inner Light to move someone to speak.
  • (Archaic) The quaker hid in the corner, terrified by the storm.

Advanced Usage

• Quaker as an adjective: When capitalized, it can describe things related to the Religious Society of Friends.

  • She attended a Quaker school.
  • They follow Quaker principles of non-violence.

• "Quaker gun": A historical term for a fake cannon, often a log painted black, used to deceive an enemy into thinking a position was more heavily fortified than it was.

Variants and Related Words

• Friend (n): The preferred term used by members of the Religious Society of Friends to refer to themselves.

  • She is a member of the Friends meeting house.

• Quakerism (n): The beliefs and practices of the Quakers.

  • His commitment to social justice is rooted in his Quakerism.

Synonyms

• Friend (when referring to the religious group).
• Member of the Society of Friends.

Related Phrases

• Quaker meeting: A worship service of the Religious Society of Friends, often characterized by periods of silent meditation.

  • We sat in quiet contemplation during the Quaker meeting.

• Quaker Oats: A brand name for oatmeal and other cereal products; the name was adopted for its association with the Quaker values of honesty and purity.

  • I eat Quaker Oats for breakfast. (Note: This is a proper noun/trademark usage, not a direct definition of the word "Quaker" itself.)

Noun

1. one who quakes and trembles with (or as with) fear
2. a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)