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hierophant

The definition of a hierophant is a priest of ancient Greece who interpreted religious mysteries, or a person who is able to explain the religious or ancient mysteries.

(noun)

An example of a hierophant is a religious scholar able to translate the Dead Sea Scrolls.

See hierophant in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

in ancient Greece, a priest of a mystery cult
a person confidently expounding, explaining, or promoting something mysterious or obscure as though appointed to do so

Origin: LL hierophanta < Gr hierophantēs < hieros (see hiero-) + phainein, to show (see fantasy)

Related Forms:

hierophantic adjective

See hierophant in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An ancient Greek priest who interpreted sacred mysteries, especially the priest of the Eleusinian mysteries.
An interpreter of sacred mysteries or arcane knowledge.
One who explains or makes a commentary.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin hierophanta

Origin: , from Greek hierophantēs

Origin: : hieros, holy; see eis- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + -phantēs, one who shows (from phainein, phan-, to show; see bhā-¹ in Indo-European roots)

Related Forms: