the family of love
Preserved but no longer current.
Certain fanatics in the 16th century, holding tenets not unlike those of the Anabaptists. They were founded by David Jons (or George), a Dutchman (1501- 65), and in England formed a sect of the Puritans in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. They are also known as the "Familists.
Era: ca. 1898 (Victorian)
Sources & notes
Reproduced from Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898 edition, public domain; archive.org, retrieved 2026-07-31; OCR text, minor errors possible). Reflects the scholarship and attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “the family of love” mean?
Certain fanatics in the 16th century, holding tenets not unlike those of the Anabaptists. They were founded by David Jons (or George), a Dutchman (1501- 65), and in England formed a sect of the Puritans in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. They are also known as the "Familists.
Is “the family of love” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.