noun
A person who or thing which outstands; a dissenter; (Scottish History) an opponent of the National Covenant or its adherents.
The National Covenant was an agreement drawn up by Scottish Churchmen in 1638. It rejected the attempt by Charles I and Archbishop Laud to impose English liturgical practices on the Church of Scotland.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Christopher Marlowe (?1564–1593), playwright and poet. From out- + stander, after outstand or to stand out.
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