[i-raz-muh
s] 
| 1. | Des⋅i⋅de⋅ri⋅us [des-i-deer-ee-uhs] , 1466?–1536, Dutch humanist, scholar, theologian, and writer. |
| 2. | a male given name: from a Greek word meaning “beloved.” |
| E·ras·mus (ĭ-rāz'məs) Dutch Renaissance scholar and Roman Catholic theologian who sought to revive classical texts from antiquity, restore simple Christian faith based on Scripture, and eradicate the improprieties of the medieval Church. His works include The Praise of Folly (1509) and On Free Will (1524), a challenge to Luther's views. |