Hierophant
/ˈhaɪəˌrɒfænt/noun
A person who interprets or reveals sacred mysteries, especially an official expounder in ancient Greek religion.
Did you know?In ancient Athens, the Hierophant was the chief priest of the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most secretive religious rites in the classical world.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰer-
“to make sacred or holy; connected to reverence and ritual purity”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἱερός (hierós)
“holy, sacred”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φαίνειν (phaínein)
“to show, reveal, bring to light”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἱεροφάντης (hierophántēs)
“one who reveals sacred things; the chief interpreter of the Eleusinian Mysteries”
Late Latin / Medieval Learned Usage
Latin
hierophanta
“a revealer of sacred rites or mysteries”
Modern English
English
hierophant
“a person who interprets sacred mysteries; specifically, the chief priest of the Eleusinian Mysteries”
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