Free Spirit, BRETHREN OF THE, a fanatical sect diffused (often secretly) over Germany, Italy, and France, between the 13th and 15th centuries. Their doctrine was a species of pantheistic mysticism, which they applied with fearless consistency to all the details of moral obligation. Often condemned as heretics, they suffered severely at the hands of the Inquisition; and were confounded with the Beghards and Beguines (q.v.). See BROTHERHOODS.
Free Spirit
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 4: Dionysius to Friction, p. 816
Source scan(s): p. 0835