Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an (?), a. [Cf. F.
latitudinaire.] 1. Not restrained; not
confined by precise limits.
2. Indifferent to a strict application of any
standard of belief or opinion; hence, deviating more or less widely
from such standard; lax in doctrine; as, latitudinarian
divines; latitudinarian theology.
Latitudinarian sentiments upon religious
subjects.
Allibone.
3. Lax in moral or religious
principles.
Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an, n.
1. One who is moderate in his notions, or not
restrained by precise settled limits in opinion; one who indulges
freedom in thinking.
2. (Eng. Eccl. Hist.) A member of the
Church of England, in the time of Charles II., who adopted more
liberal notions in respect to the authority, government, and
doctrines of the church than generally prevailed.
They were called "men of latitude;" and upon this, men
of narrow thoughts fastened upon them the name of
latitudinarians.
Bp. Burnet.
3. (Theol.) One who departs in opinion
from the strict principles of orthodoxy.
