either of two interpretations of the doctrine of the Trinity, often regarded as heretical, according to which the Son is subordinate to the Father or the Holy Ghost is subordinate to both
Derived forms
subordinationist (subˌordiˈnationist)
noun
subordinationism in American English
(səˌbɔrdnˈeiʃəˌnɪzəm)
noun
Theology
the doctrine that the first person of the Holy Trinity is superior to the second, and the second superior to the third
Derived forms
subordinationist
noun
Word origin
[1835–45; subordination + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1835–45. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: communism, crosshead, cutaway, daisy chain, ecumenical-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)