A person who opposes the authority of bishops or the episcopal system of church governance.
From anti- (against) + episcopist (one who believes in episcopal authority), derived from Late Latin episcopus (bishop). The term emerged in religious debates, particularly during the Protestant Reformation when church governance structures were contested.
This word captures real historical conflicts—groups like Puritans and Presbyterians actively fought against bishops having power in churches, and 'antiepiscopist' was the label for these rebels who wanted more democratic church structures.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.