\Bap"tist\, n. [L. baptista, G. ?]
1. One who administers baptism; -- specifically applied to
   John, the forerunner of Christ. --Milton.

2. One of a denomination of Christians who deny the validity
   of infant baptism and of sprinkling, and maintain that
   baptism should be administered to believers alone, and
   should be by immersion. See {Anabaptist}.

Note: In doctrine the Baptists of this country [the United
      States] are Calvinistic, but with much freedom and
      moderation. --Amer. Cyc.

{Freewill Baptists}, a sect of Baptists who are Arminian in
   doctrine, and practice open communion.

{Seventh-day Baptists}, a sect of Baptists who keep the
   seventh day of the week, or Saturday, as the Sabbath. See
   {Sabbatarian}. The Dunkers and Campbellites are also
   Baptists.