What does "dissenter" mean?

Dissenter: (Eccl.) One who separates from the service and worship of an established church; especially, one who disputes the authority or tenets of the Church of England; a nonconformist. Dissenters from the establishment of their several countries. Burke. Robert Brown is said to have the first formal dissenter. Shipley. Note: "The word is commonly applied only to Protestants. The Roman Catholics are generally referred to as a distinct class." Brande & C.