a. and sb. Also Thomean. [app. f. med.L. Thōmæ-us (f. the name Thōmā-s) + -AN.] a. adj. Of or pertaining to the Christian church traditionally said to have been founded by St. Thomas the Apostle, which has existed from early times on the Malabar coast. b. sb. A member of this church. Also called Thomite, Christian of St. Thomas.
1727–41. Chambers, Cycl., Thomæans, Thomeans, Thomites, or Christians of St. Thomas, a people of the East-Indians, who, according to tradition, received the gospel from the apostle St. Thomas. Ibid. A great part of the Thomæan church relapsed, and thus still continues, partly Roman, partly Thomæan.
1842. Brande, Dict. Sci., Lit., etc., Thomæans, or Thomites.
