1. the study of the writings and teachings of the early Christian church fathers
Usage: academic; theology

Examples

• She specialized in patristics during her doctoral studies in theology.
• The course on patristics examined the works of Augustine and Jerome.
• His research in patristics focused on fourth-century Christian writers.
• The library’s patristics collection includes rare manuscripts from early church fathers.
• Students of patristics must learn to read Latin and Greek texts.
• The professor’s expertise in patristics made him a sought-after scholar.