n. [ F. Jésuite, Sp. Jesuita: cf. It. Gesuita. ] 1. (R. C. Ch.) One of a religious order founded by Ignatius Loyola, and approved in 1540, under the title of The Society of Jesus. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The order consists of Scholastics, the Professed, the Spiritual Coadjutors, and the Temporal Coadjutors or Lay Brothers. The Jesuit novice after two years becomes a Scholastic, and takes his first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience simply. Some years after, at the close of a second novitiate, he takes his second vows and is ranked among the Coadjutors or Professed. The Professed are bound by a fourth vow, from which only the pope can dispense, requiring them to go wherever the pope may send them for missionary duty. The Coadjutors teach in the schools, and are employed in general missionary labors. The Society is governed by a General who holds office for life. He has associated with him “Assistants” (five at the present time), representing different provinces. The Society was first established in the United States in 1807. The Jesuits have displayed in their enterprises a high degree of zeal, learning, and skill, but, by their enemies, have been generally reputed to use art and intrigue in promoting or accomplishing their purposes, whence the words Jesuit, Jesuitical, and the like, have acquired an opprobrious sense. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: A crafty person; an intriguer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Jesuits' bark, Peruvian bark, or the bark of certain species of Cinchona; -- so called because its medicinal properties were first made known in Europe by Jesuit missionaries to South America. --
Jesuits' drops. See Friar's balsam, under Friar. --
Jesuits' nut, the European water chestnut. --
Jesuits' powder, powdered cinchona bark. --
Jesuits' tea, a Chilian leguminous shrub, used as a tea and medicinally. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Conforming to the principles of the Jesuits. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. Jésuitesse. ] (R. C. Hist.) One of an order of nuns established on the principles of the Jesuits, but suppressed by Pope Urban in 1633.

{ } a. [ Cf. F. jésuitique. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Of or pertaining to the Jesuits, or to their principles and methods. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Designing; cunning; deceitful; crafty; -- an opprobrious use of the word. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a jesuitical manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. jésuitisme. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The principles and practices of the Jesuits. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Cunning; deceit; deceptive practices to effect a purpose; subtle argument; -- an opprobrious use of the word. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Jesuit + -cracy, as in aristocracy. ] Government by Jesuits; also, the whole body of Jesuits in a country. [ R. ] C. Kingsley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Jesuitism; subtle argument. [ R. ] Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]