Mormon

Meaning

1. Of, or pertaining to, the faith established by Joseph Smith, Jr.
2. Any of various dark-coloured Asian species of papilionid butterflies of the genus Papilio.
3. A believer in the Mormon religion, which views Joseph Smith as a prophet of God and holds the Bible and the Book of Mormon as its primary scriptures.
4. In Mormonism, an ancient American prophet who compiled the Book of Mormon.
5. A surname.

Etymology / origin

From the title of the chief work of Joseph Smith the Book of Mormon. Followers of his religious movement were called this since the 1830s. The title of the book comes from the name from the prophet who they believe compiled it, called Mormon, father of Moroni, and/or the Waters of Mormon mentioned in it. Various implausible etymologies have been proposed, usually in attempts to discredit or defend the Mormon faith.

Sources

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