ATHANASIAN
Ath`a*na"sian, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century. Athanasian creed, a formulary, confession, or exposition of faith, formerly supposed to have been drawn up by Athanasius; but this opinion is now rejected, and the composition is ascribed by some to Hilary, bishop of Arles (5th century). It is a summary of what was called the orthodox faith.
ATHANOR Ath"a*nor, n. Etym: [F., fr. Ar. at-tannur, fr. Heb. tannur an oven or furnace.]
Defn: A digesting furnace, formerly used by alchemists. It was so constructed as to maintain uniform and durable heat. Chambers.
ATHECATA
Ath`e*ca"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of Hydroidea in which the zooids are naked, or not inclosed in a capsule. See Tubularian.
ATHEISM
A"the*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. athéisme. See Atheist.]
1. The disbelief or denial of the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being. Atheism is a ferocious system, that leaves nothing above us to excite awe, nor around us to awaken tenderness. R. Hall. Atheism and pantheism are often wrongly confounded. Shipley.
2. Godlessness.
ATHEIST
A"the*ist, n. Etym: [Gr. athéiste.]