baptize

1297, from O.Fr. baptizier (11c.), from L. baptizare, from Gk. baptizein "to immerse," in ecclesiastical language, "baptize," from baptein "to dip, steep, dye, color." Christian baptism originally consisted in full immersion. Baptist as member of a Protestant sect that believes in adult baptism by immersion first recorded 1654; their opponents called them anabaptists. Phrase baptism of fire (1822) translates Fr. baptême de feu and is a reference to a soldier's first experience under fire in battle; but the phrase originally was ecclesiastical Gk. baptisma pyros and meant "the grace of the Holy Spirit as imparted through baptism." Later it was used of martyrdom, especially by fire.