Dissenters

Generally speaking, dissenters simple mean "those who disagree." Its specific meaning depends on the context within which it is used.

Within the context of English Church history, dissenters usually refer to those Christians who were unhappy with the state of the Reformation as it was expressed in the Anglican Church, believing that it was still too popish both in doctrine and liturgy. From the reign of Elizabeth I to James II the term usually implies the Puritans, but also increasing, the Baptists.