one of several New Testament designations for a local band of people following the teachings of Jesus, whom they believed to be the Christ; only the plural form is found in the NT (e.g., Romans 16:16)
the entire body of Christians throughout the world, regardless of denomination or tradition
a body of Christians who continue to use only the New Testament as the source for Christian doctrine and practice and who consider themselves to be part of the original church (in contrast to Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant churches)
the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic churches (primarily used by members of these churches)