Chrĭs'ten-dŏm, n.

(krĭs'n-dŭm), n. [A-S. cristen-dom, from cristen, a Christian, and the termination dom, q. v.; Ger. christenthum.] 1. The profession of faith in Christ by baptism; hence, the Christian religion, or the adoption of it. [Obs.] Faith is the key of christendom. Chaucer. 2. The name received at baptism; or, more generally, any name or appellation. [Obs.] A world Of pretty, fond, adoptious christendoms. Shak. 3. That portion of the world in which Christianity prevails, or which is governed under Christian institutions, in distinction from heathen or Mohammedan lands. The Arian doctrine which then divided Christendom. Milton. A wide and still widening Christendom. Coleridge. 4. The whole body of Christians. Hooker.