Patripassian \Pa`tri*pas"sian\, n. [LL. Patripassiani, pl.; L. pater father + pati, passus, to suffer: cf. F. patripassiens.] (Eccl. Hist.) One of a body of believers in the early church who denied the independent pre["e]xistent personality of Christ, and who, accordingly, held that the Father suffered in the Son; a monarchian. -- {Pa`tri*pas"sian*ism}, n.