a party of presbyterians, which sprung up in Scotland in the reign of king Charles II. They affirmed that the king had forfeited his right to the crown, by breaking the solemn league and covenant, which were the terms on which he received it. They pretended both to dethrone and excommunicate him; and broke out into an open rebellion. Upon the revolution, they were reconciled to the kirk, and their preachers submitted to the general assembly of the church of Scotland, in 1690. That sect is now greatly declined. They are few in number, and split into many parties.