Jesuit
UK: ˈdʒɛzjuɪt | US: ˈdʒɛʒuɪt
n. a member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, known for education and missionary work
n. (derogatory) a cunning or manipulative person (historical usage, often anti-Catholic)
The term derives from "Jesus" (Late Latin Iesus), combined with the suffix "-it" (from Latin -ita, indicating affiliation or follower). The Society of Jesus (Latin: Societas Iesu) adopted this name to emphasize devotion to Christ. Over time, "Jesuit" became shorthand for the order’s members, later acquiring negative connotations in Protestant polemics due to the order’s influence and perceived secrecy.
The Jesuit priest founded a school renowned for its rigorous curriculum.
During the Counter-Reformation, Jesuits played a key role in Catholic education.
(Historical) Critics accused the Jesuits of political intrigue in royal courts.
The university’s Jesuit values emphasize social justice and intellectual inquiry.
He was educated by Jesuits and admired their disciplined approach to learning.