a Gnostic sect of the second century, mentioned by Irenæus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria. They claimed to have been founded by Nicolas, one of the seven deacons enumerated in the sixth chapter of the Acts; and they were believed by the early fathers to be identical with the sect of the same name alluded to in the second chapter of the Apocalypse. But neither of these opinions rests on satisfactory grounds. The peculiar tenets of the Nicolaits were founded on the principle that the passions ought to be allowed to exhaust and destroy themselves by indulgence. "Subdue the flesh by abusing it" was the favourite motto with which they justified their licentious conduct. (Neander's Church History.)