n. [ AS. cristendōm; cristen a Christian + -dom. ] 1. The profession of faith in Christ by baptism; hence, the Christian religion, or the adoption of it. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The name received at baptism; or, more generally, any name or appelation. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
Pretty, fond, adoptious christendoms. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. That portion of the world in which Christianity prevails, or which is governed under Christian institutions, in distinction from heathen or Muslim lands. [ 1913 Webster ]
The Arian doctrine which then divided Christendom. Milton [ 1913 Webster ]
A wide and still widening Christendom. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. The whole body of Christians. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]