Colenso, noun
- Origin:
- Surname of J.W. Colenso, Bishop of Natal 1853–64.
historical
Used attributively, alluding to the ecclesiastical controversy and schism following upon Colenso’s deposition as Bishop in 1864.
1865 ‘A Lady’ Life at Natal (1972) 115The ‘Colenso difficulty,’ as it is called, gets more and more complicated..and great is the consternation among the Orthodox.
1982 J. & A. Verbeek Victorian & Edwardian Natal 1These years (sc. the 1860s)..saw the beginnings of the Colenso controversy which was to affect the Church of England throughout South Africa and to cause much bitterness in Natal.
Used attributively, alluding to the ecclesiastical controversy and schism following upon Colenso’s deposition as Bishop in 1864.
- Derivatives:
- Hence Colensoite noun, a supporter of Bishop Colenso’s cause.1965 Brookes & Webb Hist. of Natal (1979) 110When..the Bishop of the Orange Free State..offered to hold a Confirmation Service in the Cathedral, he found the Church being washed by the Colensoites and the nave deep in water.

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