Chrestian
/ˈkrɛstiən/noun
An archaic or variant term for a Christian, especially one associated with the name Chrestus.
Did you know?Roman writers occasionally used Chrestus or Chrestiani for Christians, probably reflecting the common Greek name Chrestos, meaning “good” or “useful,” rather than theologically precise spelling.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρηστός (chrēstos)
“Good, useful, kindly, or morally worthy”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Greek
Χρηστός (Chrestos)
“A personal name meaning “Good” or “Useful””
1st Century CE
Latin
Chrestus
“A personal name used by Roman writers, sometimes referring to a figure associated with Christians”
1st–2nd Century CE
Latin
Chrestiani
“A variant form used for Christians, likely influenced by the name Chrestus”
Late Antiquity
Late Latin
Chrestianus
“Relating to Chrestus or to Christians in variant spelling”
Modern English
English
Chrestian
“An archaic or variant form of Christian”
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