Etymology: < Helvidius, who lived in Rome in the fourth century.Previous versions of the OED give the stress as: Helˈvidian.
One of a sect who denied the perpetual virginity of the mother of Jesus.
ΚΠ
1728 E. ChambersCycl.Helvidians, a Sect of antient Hereticks... Their distinguishing Principle was, that Mary the Mother of Jesus was not a Virgin; but had other Children by Joseph.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online June 2019).