Chris"ten*dom (?), n. [AS.
cristend&?;m; cristen a Christian + -dom.]
1. The profession of faith in Christ by
baptism; hence, the Christian religion, or the adoption of
it. [Obs.] Shak.
2. The name received at baptism; or, more
generally, any name or appelation. [Obs.]
Pretty, fond, adoptious christendoms.
Shak.
3. That portion of the world in which
Christianity prevails, or which is governed under Christian
institutions, in distinction from heathen or Mohammedan
lands.
The Arian doctrine which then divided
Christendom.
Milton
A wide and still widening Christendom.
Coleridge.
4. The whole body of Christians.
Hooker.