Puritan (noun)

1. A member of a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who believed in the strict adherence to religious principles and sought to purify the Church of England of its Catholic practices.
2. A person who is strict in the observance of moral or religious principles; a person who is severe in the control of the self or others.

Origin:

From latin purus ("pure") + -an, a suffix indicating a person or thing associated with or having a certain quality.

Examples:

1. The Puritans were known for their strict religious beliefs and their desire to purify the Church of England.
2. The Puritans believed that theater and other forms of entertainment were sinful.
3. He was criticized for being too much of a puritan and not allowing himself to have any fun.
4. The puritans opposed the celebration of Christmas.
5. The Puritans believed that education was important for the salvation of the soul.