[men-uh-nahyt] 
| a member of an evangelical Protestant sect, originating in Europe in the 16th century, that opposes infant baptism, practices baptism of believers only, restricts marriage to members of the denomination, opposes war and bearing arms, and is noted for simplicity of living and plain dress. |
| Men·non·ite (měn'ə-nīt') n. A member of an Anabaptist church characterized by nonviolence, refusal to swear oaths, and often simplicity of life. [German Mennonit, after Menno Simons (1492-1559), Frisian religious leader.] |
A Protestant denomination, founded in the early days of the Reformation, whose members believe in living with great simplicity and who refuse to hold public office or to serve in the military. Some are as strict as the Amish in rejecting modern conveniences, such as automobiles and radios. There are numerous Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania and the Middle West.
