Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.
ABECEDARIAN
abecedarian
(adjective) alphabetically arranged (as for beginning readers)
Abecedarian
(noun) a 16th century sect of Anabaptists centered in Germany who had an absolute disdain for human knowledge
abecedarian
(noun) a novice learning the rudiments of some subject
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
abecedarian (plural abecedarians)
Someone who is learning the alphabet. [Early 17th century.]
An elementary student, a novice; one in the early steps of learning. [Early 17th century.]
(archaic) Someone engaged in teaching the alphabet; an elementary teacher; one that teaches the methods and principles of learning. [Early 17th century.]
(rhetoric) A work which uses words or lines in alphabetical order.
Synonyms
• See also beginner
Adjective
abecedarian (comparative more abecedarian, superlative most abecedarian)
(now rare) Pertaining to someone learning the alphabet or basic studies; elementary; rudimentary. [Mid 17th century.]
Pertaining to the alphabet, or several alphabets. [Mid 17th century.]
Arranged in an alphabetical manner. [Mid 17th century.]
Relating to or resembling an abecedarius.
Etymology
Noun
Abecedarian (plural Abecedarians)
(historical) A member of a 16th-century Anabaptist sect, follower of the Zwickau prophets (and specially of Thomas Storch), who believed that any kind of knowledge (even basic reading and writing) would keep one from reaching obtaining salvation. [from 19th c.]
Source: Wiktionary
A`be*ce*da"ri*an, n. Etym: [L. abecedarius. A word from the first four letters of the alphabet.]
1. One who is learning the alphabet; hence, a tyro.
2. One engaged in teaching the alphabet. Wood.
A`be*ce*da"ri*an, A`be*ce"da*ry, a.
Definition: Pertaining to, or formed by, the letters of the alphabet; alphabetic; hence, rudimentary. Abecedarian psalms, hymns, etc., compositions in which (like the 119th psalm in Hebrew) distinct portions or verses commence with successive letters of the alphabet. Hook.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
9 May 2025
RIGHT
(noun) anything in accord with principles of justice; “he feels he is in the right”; “the rightfulness of his claim”
Coffee Trivia
