Definition for SEM-I-A'RI-AN

SEM-I-A'RI-AN, n. [See Arian.]

In ecclesiastical history, the Semi-arians were a branch of the Arians, who in appearance condemned the errors of Arius, but acquiesced in some of his principles, disguising them under more moderate terms. They did not acknowledge the Son to be consubstantial with the Father, that is, of the same substance, but admitted him to be of a like substance with the Father, not by nature, but by a peculiar privilege. – Encyc.

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