[f. TRI- + L. clāvus nail + -IAN.] One who holds that only three nails were used at the crucifixion of Christ. Hence Triclavianism.
1838. G. S. Faber, Inquiry, 398, note. The author of the Noble Lesson, whom I suppose to have been a Triclavian, mentions the five wounds. Ibid., 397. Pope Innocent III finally and infallibly determined, that four nails were used, and that the roman soldier pierced the right side of Christ; a decision, which of course stamped the brand of heresy upon Triclavianism.
1897. Sofia Bompiani, Short Hist. Italian Waldenses, v. 38. He [Saint Francis of Assisi] contrived to mark himself thus in order to disprove the old triclavian or three-nail heresy of those whom he was appointed to oppose.
