Agapetes
/ˌæɡəˈpiːtiːz/noun
Agapetes are persons historically described as beloved spiritual companions, especially women living in ascetic association with Christian clergy; Agapetes is also a botanical genus name.
Did you know?Agapetae were associated with early Christian clergy and ascetics, but critics accused some households of concealing sexual relationships beneath vows of celibacy.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀγαπητός (agapētos)
“Beloved, dear, or greatly loved”
Late Classical Greek
Greek
ἀγάπη (agapē)
“Love, especially affectionate or charitable love”
4th Century
Greek
ἀγαπηταί (agapētai)
“Beloved women or female spiritual companions associated with ascetic Christian men”
4th–5th Century
Late Greek
agapetae
“A Latinized ecclesiastical term for women living in professed celibate companionship with clergy or ascetics”
Early Modern English
English
Agapetes
“A learned plural or ecclesiastical term referring to such “beloved ones””
19th Century
Botanical Latin
Agapetes
“A plant genus name formed from Greek agapētos, “beloved””