n. One who dissents; one who differs in opinion, or one who declares his disagreement.n. Specifically Eccles., one who refuses to accept the authority or doctrines, or conform to the ritual or usages, of an established church; a nonconformist: specifically applied in England to those who, while they agree with the Church of England (which is Episcopal) in many essential doctrines, differ from it on questions of church government, relation to the state, and rites and ceremonies.n. Synonyms Nonconformist, etc. See heretic.