covenanters

As supporters of the Scottish National Covenant (1638) they sought to preserve presbyterianism in Scotland. After defeating Charles I in the Bishops' wars (1639-40), they forced him to accept presbyterianism in Scotland. Though after Charles I's execution Charles II signed the covenant (1650), Cromwell's victorious army forced the Scots to tolerate sectarianism. Revival of Scottish episcopacy (1662) was unpopular; presbyterianism was restored (1690).