Druid
/ˈdruː.ɪd/noun
A member of a high-ranking professional class in ancient Celtic cultures, often involved in religious rites and rituals.
Did you know?The term 'Druid' is believed to derive from a word meaning 'oak knowledge', revealing their deep connection to trees and ancient wisdom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Celtic
PC
*druwī
“one who knows, a wise person”
Old Irish
OI
druí
“a magician or sorcerer, particularly one skilled in divination”
Latin
Latin
druidae
“the learned men of the Celts, associated with religious and legal matters”
Old Welsh
OW
derwydd
“a priest or magician, particularly in relation to the oak tree”
Middle English
ME
druid
“a member of the ancient Celtic priesthood, recognized for their spiritual and scholarly roles”
Modern English
English
druid
“a term referring to ancient Celtic religious leaders, often romanticized in literature.”