Puritan Common

a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship

"The historical novel vividly portrayed the puritan leader's fervent efforts to strip away all ornate decorations from the church in favor of strict, regulated worship."

someone who adheres to strict religious principles; someone opposed to sensual pleasures

"The puritan refused even a glass of wine at the party, insisting that alcohol was too close to sin."

a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum

"My puritan neighbor refused to let anyone play music on Sundays, insisting that even humming an off-key tune was a sin against decency."

A puritanical person.

"The strict puritan insisted that all entertainment in the town square be banned to maintain moral purity."

A member of a particular Protestant religious sect advocating greater purity and piety.