A person who believes; one who has faith or gives credence to something, or historically, one belonging to a heretical sect.
From Latin 'credens,' present participle of 'credere' (to believe), meaning 'believing one.' In medieval history, Credens referred to followers of certain Cathar and Waldensian movements.
The term 'Credens' was used for members of heretical sects in medieval Europe—they were called believers in opposition to the established church's authority, showing how the same root word could mark religious division!
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