Gadianton

English

Etymology

Within the narrative of the Book of Helaman, from Gadianton, an ancient conspirator against the Nephite judges.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɡædiˈæntən/, enPR: găd-ē-ănʹtən

Noun

Gadianton (plural Gadiantons)

1. (Mormonism, also attributive) A member of various criminal secret societies described in the Book of Mormon.
   • 1989, Kenneth H. Winn, Exiles in a Land of Liberty: Mormons in America, 1830–1846, →ISBN, page 33:

     What made the Gadiantons serious ideological opponents of republicanism rather than mere thugs were their political ambitions. Cynics have called government “organized theft,” and the Gadiantons took this principle to its logical extreme.

   • 2013, Boyd Jay Petersen, Dead Wood and Rushing Water: Essays on Mormon Faith, Culture, and Family, page 150:

     Like Gadiantons of old, corporate interests and their secret combinations (for what is more secret than hidden moneyed influence outside of the channels of public transparency?) are even now seeking to overturn democracy and obstruct the will of the people.