templar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Low-frequency, specialized/archaic/historical)Formal, historical, literary; sometimes pejorative in extended use.
Quick answer
What does “templar” mean?
A member of the medieval Catholic military order known as the Knights Templar, originally founded to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the medieval Catholic military order known as the Knights Templar, originally founded to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.
By extension, someone who is dogmatically rigid, puritanical, or who adheres strictly to a particular set of principles or doctrines, often in a way that is perceived as severe or inflexible.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The extended, metaphorical use is slightly more common in British literary and journalistic contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries strong historical/religious connotations. The metaphorical use often implies criticism: a 'templar' is seen as rigid, possibly fanatical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Encountered primarily in historical texts, certain genres of fiction (e.g., historical thrillers), and metaphorical criticism in high-register commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “templar” in a Sentence
[be] a Templar[act/behave like] a templar of [ideology][be accused of being] a templarVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “templar” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Templar was interred in the round church of London.
- He's become a veritable templar of budgetary austerity, opposing all new spending.
American English
- A Templar's primary duty was the protection of pilgrims.
- Critics dismissed him as a templar of outdated political correctness.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'He's a templar of free-market economics, refusing any form of regulation.'
Academic
Common in historical, religious studies, and medieval history contexts. 'The trial of the Templars in 1307 marked a turning point.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in historical reenactment, certain fraternal orders, and within the context of conspiracy theories/mysteries surrounding the order.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “templar”
- Confusing 'Templar' with 'template'. Using it in lowercase when referring to the historical order (should be capitalized). Overusing the metaphorical sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the historical Knights Templar, yes. In the modern metaphorical sense ('a templar of neoclassicism'), it is often lowercase.
All Templars were Crusaders in the broad sense (participants in the Crusades), but not all Crusaders were Templars. The Templars were a specific, highly organized military-monastic order with strict rules.
Rarely. The adjectival form is 'Templar' or 'Templars'' (e.g., 'Templar church', 'Templars' treasure'). It is not standard to say 'templarly'.
Their sudden dissolution, secretive initiation rites, legendary wealth, and alleged possession of religious artifacts like the Holy Grail or the Ark of the Covenant have fueled centuries of speculation and myth-making.
A member of the medieval Catholic military order known as the Knights Templar, originally founded to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.
Templar is usually formal, historical, literary; sometimes pejorative in extended use. in register.
Templar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛmplə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛmplər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Poor as a Templar (archaic, referring to their original vow of poverty)”
- “To dissolve the Templars (historical reference to their suppression)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TEMPLE GUARD. A Templar was a knight who guarded the Temple in Jerusalem and pilgrims visiting it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A KNIGHT OF A DOCTRINE. (e.g., 'a templar of sustainability' frames the person as a rigid, principled defender of that cause).
Practice
Quiz
In its modern, metaphorical sense, calling someone a 'templar' most likely implies they are: