Cainite
/ˈkeɪnaɪt/noun
A member of any of several groups associated with Cain; especially a historical Gnostic sect believed to have revered biblical outlaws.
Did you know?In late antique heresiology, the Cainites were accused of honoring Cain, Esau, and even Judas as spiritual rebels—proof that words can preserve the memory of outlawed beliefs.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Heb
Qayin
“Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve in Genesis”
Greek (1st millennium CE)
Grk
Kainitēs
“a Cainite; follower or member associated with Cain”
Late Latin
Lat
Cainita
“a Cainite, especially a member of the heretical sect”
Middle English
Eng
cainite
“one associated with Cain; later, a follower of the Cainites”
Modern English
Eng
Cainite
“a member of a Gnostic sect said to revere Cain, or more generally someone associated with Cain”