a. and sb. [f. Athanasius, name of the famous archbishop of Alexandria in the reign of the emperor Constantine: see -AN.] A. adj. Of or pertaining to Athanasius, esp. in Athanasian Creed, that beginning with the words ‘Quicunque vult,’ which has been attributed to his authorship. B. sb. An adherent of the doctrines of Athanasius. Athanasianism, the principles or doctrines of the Athanasian Creed. Athanasianist, an adherent of this creed.
1586. T. Rogers, 39 Art. (1854), 92. The Nicene, Athanasian, and Apostolical Creeds.
1724. Waterland, Athan. Creed, 122 (T.). It was obvious to call one side Athanasians, and the other side Arians; and so also to name the Orthodox Faith the Athanasian Faith, as the other Arian.
1777. Priestley, Matt. & Spir., I. Pref. 21. Athanasianism … will … appear to have been merely Oriental philosophy in its origin.
1873. Spectator, 8 Feb., 171/2. What Athanasianists regard as the Gospel of Christ.
