Shakers

(shāk'ürz.) (Eccl. Hist.) Asect of religionists who have derived their title from the violent contortions they throw their bodies into during the act of divine worship. They originated in Lancashire, Eng, in 1747, among a body of seceders from the Society of Friends; and, under the leadership of one Anne Lee, a sort of inspired fanatic, the bulk of them emigrated to America in 1774. Formed into communities called families, they are found in considerable numbers in the U. States, and appear to have abandoned the habit which bestowed upon them their distinctive name. [s. 818]