Etymology

Nicodemite

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Today it means: Someone who hides their faith or belief in something; a secret adherent. Full definition →

First used 16th c.Middle French Nicodemite
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The story

  1. Middle French · borrowed fromNicodemite
  2. English todayNicodemite

Borrowed from Middle French Nicodemite, corresponding to Nicodemus + -ite, after a Pharisee in the Gospel of John who secretly comes to Jesus for instruction while outwardly remaining a pious Jew.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 16th c. Someone who hides their faith or belief in something; a secret adherent.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.