\Ath`a*na"sian\ (?; 277), a.
Of or pertaining to Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria in the
4th century.
{Athanasian creed}, a formulary, confession, or exposition of
   faith, formerly supposed to have been drawn up by
   Athanasius; but this opinion is now rejected, and the
   composition is ascribed by some to Hilary, bishop of Arles
   (5th century). It is a summary of what was called the
   orthodox faith.