Quaker - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition quaker

Definition :

Quaker, the statutory, as well as the popular, name of a member of the religious Society of Friends.

The society was founded by George Fox about the middle of the seventeenth century, and gained many adherents owing to the discontent with the existing priestcraft of the day. There is no adherence to any definite or formal creed, and the tenets of the society are chiefly distinguishable from those of other Christian bodies in that the members disclaim any necessity for the outward observance of baptism or partaking of the Sacrament, and further believe that all war in contrary to Christian principles. Men and women alike share in the ministry and government of the religious body.

As to affirmations by Quakers instead of oaths, see AFFIRMATION. As to their marriages, see MARRI-AGE.