Mandean

(man dēən)

noun

  1. a member of an ancient Gnostic sect still extant in southern Iraq
  2. the Eastern Aramaic dialect used in the writings of the Mandeans: it was spoken along the Euphrates from the 7th to the 9th cent.

Origin: < Mandean mandayyā, lit., having knowledge (used as transl. of Gr gnōstikoi, Gnostics) < mandā, knowledge + -an

adjective

  1. of the Mandeans, their doctrines, etc.
  2. of Mandean

See Mandean in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also Man·dae·an

noun
  1. A member of a Gnostic sect originating in Jordan and still existing in Iraq.
  2. A form of Aramaic used by the Mandeans.

Origin:

Origin: Mandean mandaya, having knowledge

Origin: , from manda, knowledge

Origin: , from earlier Aramaic manda‘, madda‘

Origin: , infinitive of yəda‘, to know; see ydע in Semitic roots

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Related Forms:

  • Man·deˈan adjective
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