Davidian
/dəˈvɪd.i.ən/noun
Relating to David, especially King David of Israel, or to a religious group claiming connection with him.
Did you know?The term became especially notorious through the Branch Davidians, whose 1993 Waco compound siege made “Davidian” a globally recognized religious label.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Hebrew
Hebrew
Dāwīḏ
“The personal name David, traditionally interpreted as “beloved” or “uncle,” though its precise earliest meaning is debated.”
3rd–2nd Century BCE
Greek
Dauid
“Greek transliteration of the Hebrew personal name David in the Septuagint.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
David
“Latin form of the biblical king’s name.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Davidianus
“Relating to David or to a David-associated lineage or religious tradition.”
Middle English
English
Davidian
“A form meaning connected with David, formed from David plus the adjectival suffix -ian.”
Modern English
English
Davidian
“Relating to King David, Davidic traditions, or religious movements such as the Branch Davidians.”