Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Passionist \Pas"sion*ist\, n. (R. C. Ch.)
   A member of a religious order founded in Italy in 1737, and
   introduced into the United States in 1852. The members of the
   order unite the austerities of the Trappists with the
   activity and zeal of the Jesuits and Lazarists. Called also
   Barefooted Clerks of the Most Holy Cross.