biodynamic

en-adj

biodynamic (comparative more biodynamic, superlative most biodynamic)

more biodynamic (comparative)
most biodynamic (superlative)

biologisch-dynamisch

Relating to agriculture according to anthroposophic precepts

This ancient mode of thought exists to this day in the mystical biodynamic gardening practices of Rudolph Steiner, which call for planting only when the moon is in a favorable position for the variety of plant chosen.

1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 215:

(anthroposophy, agriculture, pseudoscience) Of, or relating to a form of organic agriculture with mystical and holistic elements, based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner.


Anglo-Catholic

A member of the Anglican Church whose practices emphasise continuity with Catholic tradition.

anglocatòlic

member of the Anglican Church with Catholic traditions


dominion

en-noun

dominion (countable and uncountable, plural dominions)

→ Norwegian Bokmål: dominion

→ Norwegian Nynorsk: dominion

From Middle English dominion, from Middle French dominion, from Latin dominium (“lordship, right of ownership”), from dominus (“lord”), from domus (“house”). See demain, demesne, domain, dominium.

der

For by him were all things created[…], whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Colossians 1:16, column 2:

(Christianity) An order of angel in Christian angelology, ranked above virtues and below thrones.

בַּעֲלוּת

Christianity: order of angel, ranked above virtues and below thrones


Woden

Learned borrowing from Old English Wōden, from Proto-Germanic *Wōdanaz. Doublet of Odin and Wotan.

lbor

From Woden, by which name they stiled Mercurie.

1612, Michael Drayton, Poly-Olbion, song 11 p. 175:

The Germanic chief god, distributor of talents and god of wisdom and war (corresponding to Odin), especially in his Anglo-Saxon form.


anaphora

en-noun

anaphora (countable and uncountable, plural anaphoras or anaphors or anaphora)

anaphoras (plural)
anaphors (plural)
anaphora (plural)

From Ancient Greek ἀναφορά (anaphorá, “a carrying back”), from ἀνά (aná, “up”) + φέρω (phérō, “I carry”).

bor

Meronyms: epiclesis, preface, Sanctus, sursum corda

(Christianity) The most solemn part of the Divine Liturgy or the Mass during which the offerings of bread and wine are consecrated as body and blood of Christ.


Ganesha

(Hinduism) A Hindu god of intellect, wisdom, gates, and beginnings, son of Parvati and Shiva.


apotropaic

en-adj

apotropaic (comparative more apotropaic, superlative most apotropaic)

more apotropaic (comparative)
most apotropaic (superlative)

/ˌæpətɹəˈpeɪ.ɪk/

From Ancient Greek ἀποτρόπαιος (apotrópaios), from ἀπό (apó, “away”) and τρόπος (trópos, “turn”); thus meaning “causing things to turn away”, as in “turns away evil”.

A boring subtext, about the wisdom or otherwise of actually uttering Voldemort's name, meanwhile robs the apotropaic device of its force.

2007 August 12, Christopher Hitchens, “Harry Potter: The Boy Who Lived”, in New York Times:

In earlier generations scholars reacted by removing many of these objects from public view, putting them in the ‘Secret Cabinet’ of the museum at Naples or otherwise under wraps. […] More recently the fashion has been to deflect attention from their sexuality by referring to them as ‘magical’, ‘apotropaic’ or ‘averters of the evil eye’.

2010, Mary Beard, chapter 7, in Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town:

Commonly known as ‘ritual protection marks’, or even ‘witch marks’, an apotropaic image or symbol is a marking that is thought to create a ‘protection’ for the individual that created it – or for the area or object into which it was inscribed.

2015, Matthew Champion, Medieval Graffiti: The Lost Voices of England’s Churches, London: Ebury Press, →ISBN, page 25:

(religion, mysticism) Intended to ward off evil.


rationale

/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnɑːl/

/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl/

the local bishop, H.E. Gregor Maria Hanke, is shown wearing that rarest of liturgical garments, the rationale.

2015, Gregory Dipippo, Rationale Worn by the Bishop of Eichstätt:

(rare, religion) A liturgical vestment worn by some Christian bishops of various denominations.


ase

(religion) an essential energy in West African religions


solemnity

en-noun

solemnity (countable and uncountable, plural solemnities)

From solemn + -ity, from Middle English solemnity (“observance of formality and ceremony”), frequently in the phrases in solemnity, with solemnity, which from Old French solemnite, from Latin sollemnitās, from sollemnis. (Compare solemn.)

der

(Catholicism) A feast day of the highest rank celebrating a mystery of faith such as the Trinity, an event in the life of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or another important saint.


ikona

(Christianity, art) An Orthodox icon, or religious painting.


awaken

en-verb

awaken (third-person singular simple present awakens, present participle awakening, simple past and past participle awakened)

awakens (present singular third-person)
awakening (participle present)
awakened (participle past)
awakened (past)

From Middle English awakenen or awaknen, from Old English awæcnan or awæcnian, from a- plus wæcnan or wæcnian.

արթնացնել

transitive: to cause to become conscious


Jesse

From Ancient Greek Ἰεσσαί (Iessaí), from Hebrew יִשַׁי (Yishai).

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons; and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

(biblical) The son of Obed and the father of king David.


reliquary

/ˈɹɛlɪkwɛɹi/

/ˈɹɛlɪkwəɹi/

Borrowed from Middle French reliquaire (modern French reliquaire), from Late Latin reliquiarium, from rēliquia (“a relic”) (English relic), noun use of reliquus (“abandoned, left behind, relict”), from relinquō (“I relinquish”), from re- (“again”) and linquō (“I leave”), from Proto-Indo-European *leikʷ-.

“… There is an ivory virgin of the fourteenth century. I once found a buyer for that piece, but the old boy would not sell it.[…]The other piece—the one that concerns us—is known as the Borgia reliquary.”

1935, Francis Beeding, “4/1”, in The Norwich Victims:

And whether you think of those little cans as intellectual puzzles or reliquaries or scams, there are surprises inside.

2009 February 13, Holland Cotter, “To Bump Off Art as He Knew It”, in New York Times:

(religion) A container to hold or display religious relics.


righteousness

en-noun

righteousness (countable and uncountable, plural righteousnesses)

/ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəsnəs/

From Middle English rightwisnes, from Old English rihtwīsnes (“justice”), equivalent to righteous + -ness.

21 ¶ I hate, I despise your feast dayes, and I will not smell in your solemne assemblies.
22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings, and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
23 Take thou away from mee the noise of thy songs: for I will not heare the melodie of thy violes.
24 But let iudgement run downe as waters, and righteousnesse as a mightie streame.

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Amos 5:21–24:

By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.

1921, Ben Travers, chapter 4, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC:

(uncountable, theology) Holiness; conformity of life to the divine law.

There are two kinds of Christian righteousness: the one without us, which we have by imputation; the other in us, which consisteth of faith, hope, and charity, and other Christian virtues.

1594-7, Richard Hooker, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, A Discourse, Section 21

Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

1646-7, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q.33

w:Webster's Dictionary#Webster's New International Dictionary 1909

(theology) The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground justification.


eid mubarak

From Arabic عِيد مُبَارَك (ʕīd mubārak).

bor

عِيد مُبَارَك

Arabic عِيد مُبَارَك (ʕīd mubārak)

(Islam) A customary Muslim greeting on the days of Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.


Prophets

(Judaism, Christianity) A division of the Old Testament, comprising the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve.

(Islam) The 21st sura (chapter) of the Qur'an.


mantlet

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-mantlet.wav

From Middle English mauntelet, from Old French mantelet, diminutive of mantel (“mantle”). Doublet of mantelletta.

(Christianity, chiefly Catholicism) A mantelletta.


dipper

desc

→ Kashubian: dyper (Canada, United States)

From Middle English dippere; equivalent to dip + -er.

(historical, informal, Christianity) A Baptist or Dunker.


adoption

en-noun

adoption (countable and uncountable, plural adoptions)

French adoption, Latin adoptio, allied to adoptare (“to adopt”).

(theology) An act of divine grace by which the redeemed in Christ are admitted to the privileges of the sons of God.


Christmas Day

From Middle English Cristemasse day, from Old English Cristes mæssedæġ (“Christmas Day”, literally “day of Christ's mass”). Now equivalent to Christmas + day.

inh

When Christmas Day falls upon a Saturday (as it did in 1736,) the Collect, Epistle and Gospel for St. Stephen's Day follows of Course, and no Notice is taken of the Sunday after Christmas Day

1737, Thomas Collins, The rubrick of the Church of England, examin'd and consider'd:

The day on which Christmas is celebrated. It is December 25 in the West, and January 7 in some Eastern Orthodox churches.


Solomon

en-proper noun

Solomon (countable and uncountable, plural Solomons)

From Latin Solomōn (variant of Salomon), from Ancient Greek Σολομών (Solomṓn), from Biblical Hebrew שְׁלֹמֹה (šĕlōmōʰ), from שָׁלוֹם (šālōm, “peace”). Doublet of Shlomo and Suleiman.

And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Kings 4:34:

(biblical) In the Old Testament and Qur'an, a king of Israel famous for his wisdom; father of King Rehoboam and the son of King David.


crucifer

From Latin crucifer (“cross-bearer”), from crux (“cross”) + ferō (“I carry, bear”).

(Christianity) A person who carries a cross in a religious procession, a cross bearer.


lapse

From Middle French laps, from Latin lāpsus, from lābī (“to slip”). Doublet of lapsus.


conventicle

From Late Middle English conventicle, conventicule (“a gathering, meeting (especially a secret or unlawful one); (derogatory) a church”), from Latin conventiculum (“assembly; meeting (or the place involved); association”), from conventus (“assembled, convened”) + -culum (suffix forming noun diminutives), perfect passive participle of conveniō (“to assemble, convene, meet together”), from con- (“together, with”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm (“along, at, next to, with”)) + veniō (“to approach, come”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *gʷem- (“to step”) + *-yéti (suffix forming intransitive, imperfective verbs)).


laïcité

en-noun

laïcité (usually uncountable, plural laïcités)

Unadapted borrowing from French laïcité.

Secularism and strict separation of church and state characteristic of France since the Third Republic and of Quebec since the Quiet Revolution.


apologetics

From Late Latin apologia, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογία (apología, “a speech in defense”), from ἀπολογοῦμαι (apologoûmai, “I speak in one's defense”), from ἀπόλογος (apólogos, “an account, story”), from ἀπό (apó, “from, off”) (see apo-) + λόγος (lógos, “speech”) + -ics.

der

The field of study concerned with the systematic defense of a position, or of religious or occult doctrines.


quia

(Lutheranism) Relating to the belief that the Book of Concord is authoritative because it faithfully describes the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible.


apotropaism

(religion, mysticism) The use of ritual or other magical means (including charms and/or incantations) to avert evil or bad luck.

apotropaïsme

the use of ritual or other magical means to avert evil or bad luck


swim the Thames

en-verb

swim the Thames (third-person singular simple present swims the Thames, present participle swimming the Thames, simple past swam the Thames, past participle swum the Thames)

swims the Thames (present singular third-person)
swimming the Thames (participle present)
swam the Thames (past)
swum the Thames (participle past)

Variant of swim the Tiber, by substitution of London’s river Thames for Rome’s river Tiber.

[…] Philip Jenkins, himself an ex-Catholic who swam the Thames, speculates that the rates of decline in his adopted Church are so steep that the last American Episcopalian may have been born.

2019 March 11, Filip Mazurczak, “A Unique Credo and Affirmation of Faith by a Distinctive Mind”, in The Catholic World Report, Ignatius Press, archived from the original on 2022-11-29:

(intransitive) To convert to Anglicanism.


parishioner

/pəˈɹɪʃənə(ɹ)/

/pəˈɹɪʃnə(ɹ)/

From Late Middle English parisshoner, from earlier parisshen (c. 1200), from Old French paroissien, parochien, from paroisse (English parish). Equivalent to parish + -ian + -er.

“Reverend Judith!” he announced cheerfully. “What a lovely surprise. How super to see you! What are you standing at the door for? Come in! Come in!”
“Thank you, thank you. I do like to pop around and see as many of my parishioners as possible,” said Reverend Judith as she followed the pair into the kitchen.

2017, David Walliams [pseudonym; David Edward Williams], Bad Dad, London: HarperCollins Children’s Books, →ISBN:


Samhain

Invite, but never command, friendly spirits, faeries, or elementals to join you as you wish. In some traditions it is common to invite ancestors to join you, especially during the dark days from Samhain to Imbolg when it is believed that the portal between our dimensions is at its thinnest.

1994, Edain McCoy, “Appendix Three: Outline for Ritual Construction”, in A Witch’s Guide to Faery Folk: How to Work with the Elemental World: […], St. Paul, Minn.: Llewellyn Publishers, published 2004 (13th printing), →ISBN, page 354:

A holiday, falling on the night of 31 October to 1 November, celebrated by the ancient Celts and by modern neo-pagans as the beginning of winter and the new year, and a time during which the spirits of the dead could return to the earth.


Radha Soami

An Indian philosophical or religious movement.


Azrael

From Latin Azrahel, from Ancient Greek Ἀζαραήλ (Azaraḗl), from Biblical Hebrew עֲזַרְאֵל (ʿăzarʾēl), possibly via Aramaic (compare Classical Syriac ܥܲܙܪܵܐܹܝܠ (ʿazrāʾēl)).

The angel of death in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, and in Islam.


relic

From Middle English relik et al., from Old French relique, from Latin reliquiae (“remains, relics”), from relinquō (“I leave behind, abandon, relinquish”), from re- + linquō (“I leave, quit, forsake, depart from”).

Why ſhould onely I,
Of all the other Princes of the World,
Be caſ’d-vp, like a holy Relique?

1612–1613 (date written), John Webster, The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy. […], London: […] Nicholas Okes, for Iohn Waterson, […], published 1623, →OCLC, Act III, scene ii:

No Anchorite in the exstasy of devotion, ever adored a relique with more fervour than that with which I kissed this inimitable proof of my charmer’s candour, generosity and affection!

1748, [Tobias Smollett], chapter 57, in The Adventures of Roderick Random. […], volume II, London: […] [William Strahan] for J[ohn] Osborn […], →OCLC, page 240:

[…] the duke, in order to support their drooping hopes, ordered a procession to be made with the reliques of St. Valori, and prayers to be said for more favourable weather.

1762, David Hume, “[The Anglo-Saxons.] Chapter 3.”, in The History of England, from the Invasion of Julius Cæsar to the Accession of Henry VII, volume I, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC, page 135:

During that time he had been living with his youthful memory of her; but she had doubtless had other and more tangible companionship. Perhaps she too had kept her memory of him as something apart; but if she had, it must have been like a relic in a small dim chapel, where there was not time to pray every day....

1920, Edith Wharton, chapter 34, in The Age of Innocence, New York, N.Y.; London: D[aniel] Appleton and Company, →OCLC:

(religion) A part of the body of a saint, or an ancient religious object, kept for veneration.

ذَخِيرَة

part of a body or an object of religious significance


Baptist

en-noun

Baptist (countable and uncountable, plural Baptists)

An adherent of a Protestant denomination (or various subdenominations) of Christianity, which believes in the baptism of believers (sometimes only adults), as opposed to the baptism of infants.


maya

Shankara prescribed meditative reflection, through which each individual could pierce the veil of maya and come to recognize the identity between his or her essence and the universal spirit.

2016, Sunil Khilnani, Incarnations, Penguin, published 2017, page 58:

(Hinduism, Buddhism) The power by which the universe is made to appear; the illusion of the phenomenal world, as opposed to its true or spiritual reality.


Thomism

(philosophy, theology) The philosophy and theology of Thomas Aquinas.

թոմիզմ

the philosophy and theology of Thomas Aquinas


tallit

tallit (plural tallits or tallitot or tallitoth or tallitim or talleysim or tallaisim)

tallits (plural)
tallitot (plural)
tallitoth (plural)
tallitim (plural)
talleysim (plural)
tallaisim (plural)

(Judaism) A traditional Jewish prayer shawl with tassels which covers the chest and upper part of the back.


mystic

From Old French mistique, from Latin mysticus, from Ancient Greek μυστικός (mustikós, “secret, mystic”), from μύστης (mústēs, “one who has been initiated”). Doublet of mystique.


Authorized Version

King James Version
King James Version#English


King James Bible

en-proper noun

the King James Bible (plural King James Bibles)

the King James Bible (canonical)
King James Bibles (plural)


Zohar

Hebrew זוהר \ זֹהַר (“splendor, radiance”).

uder

זוהר \ זֹהַר

(Judaism) A Jewish cabalistic book attributed by tradition to Rabbi Simon ben Yochi, who lived about the end of the 1st century AD. Modern critics believe it to be a compilation of the 13th century.


glossolalia

From glosso- + -lalia, from Ancient Greek γλῶσσᾰ (glôssa, “tongue; language”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *glōgʰs) + λᾰλῐᾱ́ (laliā́, “talking; form of speech, dialect”) (from λᾰ́λος (lálos, “talkative”) + -ῐ́ᾱ (-íā, suffix forming feminine abstract nouns)).

der

[Adolf Bernhard Christoph] Hilgenfeld, indeed, is mistaken in explaining the unintelligibility of the γλω̑σσαι, only by the transcendent nature of what they expressed to the merely human consciousness; but he observes with great truth, that that which is common to prophecy and to glossolalia consisted in the exaltation of the consciousness above the merely human sphere, but that which is distinct consisted in this: that he who was prophetically inspired was in the full possession of his reflecting spiritual powers; […] [W]e showed that there is a human πνευ̑μα in a narrower sense, a capacity of immediate perception and insght. As all ecstasy, so also glossolalia was perfected in this πνευ̑μα: it was a miraculous agency of the Spirit of God […]

1869, Franz Delitzsch, translated by Robert Ernest Wallis, A System of Biblical Psychology. … Translated from the German, (Second Edition, Thoroughly Revised and Enlarged,) … (Clark’s Foreign Theological Library, Fourth Series; XIII), 2nd English edition, Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 38, George Street; London: Hamilton and Co.; Dublin: John Robertson and Co., →OCLC, page 426:

The occurrence in Acts ii. is therefore to be recognised, according to its historical import, as the phenomenon of the glossolalia, (not as a higher stage of it, in which the foreign languages supervened, Olshausen), which emerged for the first time in the Christian church, and that immediately on the effusion of the Spirit at Pentecost,—a phenomenon which, in the sphere of the marvellous to which it belongs, was elaborated and embellished by legend into a speaking in foreign languages, and accordingly into an occurrence quite unique, not indeed as to substance, but as to mode[…], and far surpassing the subsequently frequent and well-known glossolalia, having in fact no parallel in the further history of the church.

1877, Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer, Paton J. Gloag, chapter II, in William P[urdie] Dickson, editor, Critical and Exegetical Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles. … Translated from the Fourth Edition of the German … (Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament; I), volume I (The Acts of the Apostles), Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 38 George Street, →OCLC, page 67:

But glossolalia by definition makes no such sense, because it consists of strings of syllables, made up of sounds taken from all those that the speaker knows, put together more or less haphazardly but emerging nevertheless as word-like and sentence-like units because of realistic, language-like rhythm and melody.

1972 September, William J. Samarin, “Sociolinguistic vs. Neurophysiological Explanations for Glossolalia: Comment on Goodman’s Paper”, in Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, volume 11, number 3, Blackwell, →ISSN, →JSTOR, →OCLC, page 293:

Lorenzo is still kneeling at the box, once more Luisa wipes her eyes, Violeta is sobbing and rocking, her glossolalia now at the -sə-sə-sə-level of near exhaustion.

1982, Felicitas D. Goodman, Jeannette H. Henney, Esther Pressel, “Chronology of Events”, in Trance, Healing, and Hallucination: Three Field Studies in Religious Experience, Malabar, Fla.: Robert E. Krieger Pub. Co., →ISBN, →LCCN, →OL, page 301:

Everything was a labyrinthine amalgam of languages, a towering Babel of puns and glossolalia.

2012, Andy Martin, “Text Messenger”, in Literary Review, London: The Literary Review & Quarto, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 404:

Speaking a language one does not know, or speaking elaborate but apparently meaningless speech, while in a trance-like state (or, supposedly, under the influence of a deity or spirits); speaking in tongues.


Jeroboam

/ˌd͡ʒɛɹəˈboʊəm/

Borrowed from Hebrew יָרָבְעָם (yāroḇʿām).

bor+

A bottle of Bordeaux wine containing 4.5 liters of fluid, six times the volume of a standard bottle.


Joel

/ˈd͡ʒəʊ(ə)l/

From Hebrew יוֹאֵל (yo'él, “Yahweh (is) God”). As a medieval French and English given name, it is also from Breton Judicaël (related to Joyce and Jocelyn). Cf. Elijah.

der

(biblical) A book of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Tanakh.

The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Joel 1:1:

(biblical) A minor prophet, a son of Samuel, and other Old Testament persons.


conflate

Attested since 1541: from Latin cōnflātus, past passive participle of cōnflō (“fuse, kindle, blow together”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Why the redactor created this conflate version, despite its inconsistencies, is a matter of conjecture.

1999, Emanuel Tov, The Greek and Hebrew Bible: Collected Essays on the Septuagint:

(biblical criticism) Combining elements from multiple versions of the same text.


naiad

From Latin Naias, from Ancient Greek Νᾱϊάς (Nāïás, “naiad”), from νάω (náō, “to flow”).

Any of various aquatic plants of the genus Najas.


Gaon

Gaonim (plural)
Geonim (plural)
Gaons (plural)

From Hebrew גָּאוֹן (ga'ón, “grandeur, majesty, genius”).

bor

(historical, Judaism) A sage of the Talmudic academies of Babylonia.


isha

From Arabic عِشَاء (ʕišāʔ, “evening, night”), in صَلَاةُ العِشَاء (ṣalātu l-ʕišāʔ, “night prayer”).

(Islam) The evening/night Islamic prayer.


exegete

en-verb

exegete (third-person singular simple present exegetes, present participle exegeting, simple past and past participle exegeted)

exegetes (present singular third-person)
exegeting (participle present)
exegeted (participle past)
exegeted (past)

History, not the dictionary, must exegete this doctrine. When thus exegeted, the secularity of our Government, as shown by the intentions of its founders, the customs of the people, and the continuous decisions of the courts, means simply the separation of church and state.

1905, Borden P. Bowne, “Moral Training in the Public Schools”, in Homiletic Review, page 93:

(chiefly religion) To interpret; to perform an exegesis.


nationalist

en-adj

nationalist (comparative more nationalist, superlative most nationalist)

more nationalist (comparative)
most nationalist (superlative)


nationalist

You are either a globalist or a nationalist; one cannot be both.


koan

From Japanese 公案 (kōan), which was from Chinese 公案 (gōng'àn, “official business”).

Zen, with its absurdist koan, laughs at life much the way the Marx brothers did. What exactly can you make of a philosophical system whose teacher answers the question, "How do you see things so clearly?" with the seeming one-liner, "I close my eyes"?

1977, Thomas Hoover, chapter 1, in Zen Culture, →ISBN:

(Zen Buddhism) A story about a Zen master and his student, sometimes like a riddle, other times like a fable, which has become an object of Zen study, and which, when meditated upon, may unlock mechanisms in the Zen student’s mind leading to satori.


intelligent design

Became a standard and widely promoted term in the 1987 draft of Of Pandas and People by Percival Davis and Dean H. Kenyon, as a repackaging of creationism after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against its teaching in Edwards v. Aguillard (1987).

Anaxagoras (500–428 B.C.) was the first of the Greeks "to attribute the adaptations of Nature to Intelligent Design, and was thus the founder of Teleology," an idea that has played a retarding function in the history of evolution.

1926, Horatio Hackett Newman, chapter 2, in Evolution, Genetics And Eugenics, page 13:

Of Pandas and People is not intended to be a balanced treatment by itself. We have given a favorable case for intelligent design and raised reasonable doubt about natural descent. But used together with your other text, it should help to balance the overall curriculum.

1993, Percival Davis, Dean H. Kenyon, “Introduction”, in Charles Thaxton, editor, Of Pandas and People, 2nd edition, Dallas, TX: Haughton Pub. Co., →ISBN, page ix:

Intelligent design means that the various forms of life began abruptly through the agency of an intelligent creator with their distinctive features already intact—fish with fins and scales, birds with feathers, beaks, and wings, etc.

2006, Philip Clayton, Zachary R. Simpson, The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Science, Oxford University Press,, →ISBN, page 735:

The belief that biological life on Earth, or more broadly, the universe as a whole, was created by an intelligent agent (specified or unspecified) rather than being the result of undirected natural processes.

Dean H. Kenyon
Edwards v. Aguillard
Of Pandas and People
Percival Davis
intelligent design


Lion of Judah

(Judaism) A Jewish national and cultural symbol, traditionally regarded as a symbol of the tribe of Judah.

(Rastafari) A nickname of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie (1892–1975).


stylite

From Ecclesiastical Greek στυλίτης (stulítēs), from Ancient Greek στῦλος (stûlos, “pillar”).

Daniel, the famous stylite of the city, actually descended from his pillar for the first time in fifteen years, terrifying Basiliscus into the withdrawal of his edict.

1997, John Julius Norwich, A Short History of Byzantium, Penguin, published 1998, page 53:

Stylites often became major players in Church politics, shouting down their theological pronouncements from their little elevated balconies to the expectant crowds below, or giving personalized advice to those favoured enough to climb the ladder and join them on their platform.

2009, Diarmaid MacCulloch, A History of Christianity, Penguin, published 2010, page 208:

(Christianity, historical) A Christian ascetic in ancient times who lived alone on top of a tall pillar.

стълпник

Christian ascetic cloistered atop a pillar


Charismatic Movement

(Christianity) A Pentecostal movement within mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches.


infernal

infernal (comparative more infernal, superlative most infernal)

more infernal (comparative)
most infernal (superlative)

celestial

antonym(s) of “of or relating to hell, underworld or fire”

From Middle French infernal, from Medieval Latin infernalis, from Latin īnfernus, from īnferum (“netherworld, underworld, hell”), equivalent to inferno + -al.

Of or relating to hell, or the world of the dead; hellish.

جَحِيمِيّ

of or relating to hell, or the world of the dead; hellish

(by extension) Of or relating to a fire or inferno.

infernaal

by extension: of or relating to a great fire or inferno


rosary

From Middle English rosarie, from Latin rosārium, here in its sense as a garland of roses. The coin usage referred to the laurel wreath appearing on the obverse bust, as opposed to the bare head on the pollard. Doublet of Rosario and rosarium.

psalter (150-bead rosary for use with the Psalms)

Prayer beads, a string of beads used to keep track of repetitions in prayer, particularly in the Roman Catholic Marian prayer "Hail Mary" (Ave Maria)

A Roman Catholic devotion involving the repetition of a series of Marian prayers, usually 5, 15, or 20 decades of "Hail Marys", each decade beginning with "Our Father" and ending with "Glory Be to the Father", but sometimes including other Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Lutheran prayers.


Phoebus

From Middle English Phebus, from Latin Phoebus, from Ancient Greek Φοῖβος (Phoîbos).

Mor. Miſlike me not for my complexion,
The ſhadowed liuerie of the burniſht ſunne,
To whom I am a neighbour, and neere bred.
Bring me the faireſt creature North-ward borne,
Where Phœbus fire ſcarce thawes the yſicles,
And let vs make inciſion for your loue,
To proue whoſe blood is reddeſt, his or mine.

c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene i], page 167:

(Greek mythology) An epithet and synonym for Helios; Phoebus Helios, after his maternal aunt, Phoebe.

By Phœbus, here's a moſt neate fine ſtreete; is't not? I proteſt to thee, I am enamord of this ſtreete now, more then of halfe the ſtreetes of Rome, againe; tis ſo polite, and terſe; […]

1601, Ben Jonson, Poetaster or The Arraignment: […], London: […] [R. Bradock] for M[atthew] L[ownes] […], published 1602, →OCLC, Act III:

The heaven doth not contain so many stars,
So many leaves not prostrate lie in woods,
When autumn’s old and Boreas sounds his wars,
So many waves have not the ocean floods,
As my rent mind hath torments all the night,

17th century, William Drummond, Sextain I, in English Poetry, published 1907, page 162

And heart spends sighs, when Phœbus brings the light.

For she recalled the edict which decreed
If in one day she did not take or kill
The challenger (to this King Charles agreed),
She was his captive and must do his will.
Phoebus was soon to plunge his golden head
Into the western sea when of her skill
And strength the Maid at last began doubt,
While her fatigue was putting hope to rout.[…]

1991 August 29, Ludovico Ariosto, Orlando Furioso: Part Two (Orlando Furioso), Penguin UK, →ISBN, →OCLC:

(Greek mythology, Roman mythology) An epithet and synonym for Apollo; Phoebus Apollo.


traditionary

(Judaism) Someone who places emphasis on traditions.


Kabballah

From Hebrew קַבָּלָה (kabalá, “Jewish mysticism”, literally “something received”). It refers to the notion that Kabballah is a set of mystical doctrines received in antiquity and passed on in small circles. Doublet of cabal.

bor

(Judaism) A body of mystical Jewish teachings based on an esoteric reading of the Hebrew scriptures.


Eden

From Hebrew עֵדֶן (eden), perhaps from Sumerian 𒂔 (edin, “steppe, garden”).

And the LORD God planted a garden Eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Genesis 2:8:

(biblical) A garden built by God as the home for Adam and Eve; sometimes identified as part of Mesopotamia.


holy war

The conflict is beginning to look like a holy war between Sunnis and Shias.

A war which is primarily caused or justified by differences in religion and beliefs.


Moonie

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The Unification Church, or the "Moonies" as they are commonly known, have a thriving work in South Africa, with their headquarters in Hillbrow and a Moonie farm near Muldersdrift.

I am a proud Korean – a proud Moonie – and a dedicated anti-Communist and I intend to remain so the rest of my life -Bo Hi Pak

1991, Carlton Sherwood, Inquisition: The Persecution and Prosecution of the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, Regnery Gateway, →ISBN:

We "Moonies" were willing to sacrifice personal choice to spin gold out of the raw silk of ourselves, to help create world harmony through family harmony.

2005 July 3, Renee Watabe, “Modern Love - A Leap of Faith”, in New York Times:

(informal) A member of the Unification Church; a follower of its founder Sun Myung Moon


Xtianity

1634, from Christianity, replacing Christ with the abbreviation Xt (from Ancient Greek Χ (Kh, the letter chi), the first letter of Χριστός (Khristós, “Christ”) + t, the last letter of "Christ"). Compare the more common Xmas.

I believe Buddhism to be a simplification of Hinduism and Islam to be a simplification of Xtianity.

1950 December 14, C. S. Lewis, Letter to Sheldon Vanauken:

Alternative form of Xianity (“abbreviation of Christianity”)


hof

Borrowed from Old Norse hof or Old English hof, reinforced in modern (post-1990, chiefly neopagan) use by Icelandic hof (“shrine, temple”).

For each ten churches burned to ashes, one heathen hof is avenged.

1996, Varg Vikernes, cited after Gardell, Gods of the Blood, published 2003, page 307:

Asatruarfelagid lacks a central religious temple, or hof in Icelandic. Constructing a hof has been high on the members' wish list for many years.

2005, Michael Strmiska, Modern Paganism In World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives, page 170:

The Candidate for membership of Hof, Garth or Hearth shall hold an Armill, or he may touch an unsheathed Sword throughout the ceremony.

2014 November 18, Stubba, The Book of Blots, page 102:

(Germanic paganism) temple, sanctuary, hall.


Our Lady

Calque of Medieval Latin Domina Nostra and its descendants in other languages. Cf. Queen of Heaven.

(Christianity) Synonym of Mary, mother of Jesus, particularly in Catholic contexts.

Zonja Jonë

Mary, mother of Jesus — see also Mary, Madonna, Mother of God, Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Heaven, Saint Mary, Virgin Mary


chi-rho

The combination ☧ of the Greek letters chi and rho, used as a Christogram.


labarum

1658: Nor shall we urge the labarum, and famous Standard of Constantine, or make further use thereof, than as the first Letters in the Name of our Saviour Christ — Sir Thomas Browne, The Garden of Cyrus (Folio Society 2007, p. 168)

The Roman military standard adopted by Constantine I. The banner was known for its Christian chi-rho sign - ☧.


seminary

From Latin sēminārium, from sēmen (“seed”). Compare seminar. In the ground sense, from Middle English semynair, semynary.

(Mormonism) A class of religious education for youths ages 14–18 that accompanies normal secular education.

I shall not need to instance in the effects which this bull produced; the treason of Watson and Cleark, two English seminaries, are sufficiently known

1638, Jeremy Taylor, Sermon on Gunpowder Treason:

A Roman Catholic priest educated in a foreign seminary; a seminarist.


prioress

From Middle English prieresse, priorasse, priores, prioresse, priorisse, priouresse, priures, priuresse, prowres, pryoras, pryorys, pryowresse, from Medieval Latin priōrissa and Old French prioresse, prieuresse; equivalent to prior + -ess.

A nun in charge of a priory (usually lower in rank than an abbess); mother superior.


priesthood

en-noun

priesthood (countable and uncountable, plural priesthoods)

From Middle English presthed, presthede, presthod, presthode, from Old English prēosthād (“priesthood”), equivalent to priest + -hood. Compare Dutch priesterheid (“priesthood”).

Authority to act in the name of God or the divine in general.


cardinal virtue

cardinal virtue (plural cardinal virtues)

See virtue and cardinal, from Latin cardinālis (“pertaining to a hinge (hence applied to that on which something turns or depends), important, principal, chief”).

der

(Christianity, often in the plural) One of the four foundational virtues identified by Greek and Christian philosophers, on which other virtues depend: justice, temperance, prudence, or fortitude.


plural marriage

en-noun

plural marriage (plural plural marriages)

A form of polygamy formerly practiced by Mormons.


skyclad

From sky + clad, indicating that the person in question is clad only in the sky. Attested from early 20th century England, it is partially a calque of Sanskrit दिगम्बर (digambara, “having all (=ten) quarters of the globe as one's only clothing, i.e., naked”).

calque

There he stood, sky-clad, smearing witch's ointment all over.

(poetic or paganism) Nude, naked, especially when outdoors.


ambo

Borrowed from Late Latin ambō, from Ancient Greek ἄμβων (ámbōn).

The dignity of the Word of God requires that in the church there be a suitable place from which it may be proclaimed and toward which the attention of the faithful naturally turns during the Liturgy of the Word. It is appropriate that generally this place be a stationary ambo and not simply a movable lectern.

2010, General Instruction of the Roman Missal, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, published 2011, section #309:

(Roman Catholicism) A stationary podium used for readings and homilies.


satanic

en-adj

satanic (comparative more satanic, superlative most satanic)

more satanic (comparative)
most satanic (superlative)

Of or pertaining to any form of Satanism.


inferno

From Italian inferno (“hell”), from Latin infernus (“of the lower regions”), inferna (“the lower regions”); see infernal.
The meaning "big fire" came as a figurative use from the traditional idea of hellfire.

At each sudden explosion in the inferno below they sprang back from the brink [of the volcanic crater].

1899, D. C. Worcester, The Philippine Islands and Their People:

When Jurgis had first inspected the packing plants with Szedvilas, he […] found that each one of these lesser industries was a separate little inferno, in its way as horrible as the killing beds, the source and fountain of them all[, and t]he workers in each of them had their own peculiar diseases.


modality

en-noun

modality (countable and uncountable, plural modalities)

(theology) The organization and structure of the church, as distinct from sodality or parachurch organizations.


goy

goyim (plural)
goys (plural)
goyem (plural)

Borrowed from Yiddish גוי (goy, “gentile”), from Hebrew גּוֹי (goi, “nation”).
Compare Exodus he:T:6: ממלכת כהנים וגוי קדוש (mamlekhet kohanim wegoy qadosh, “ […] a kingdom of priests and a holy nation”) (referring to the Jewish people). The word goy technically refers not to non-Jews, but rather to a nation per se; the Jews are said to constitute a “goy”. But through common usage – namely referring to "the [other non-Jewish] nations" – the word came to colloquially refer to non-Jews.

bor+

I don’t think that marriage is working, but I’m not going to be stupid about it and say she shouldn’t have married a goy.

(sometimes offensive) A non-Jew, a gentile.


Timothy

From Middle French Timothée, from Latin Tīmotheus, from Ancient Greek Τῑμόθεος (Tīmótheos), from τῑμάω (tīmáō, “I honour”) + θεός (theós, “god”).

Unto Timothie my own sonne in the Faith: Grace, mercie, and peace from God our Father, and Iesus Christ our Lord.

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Timothy 1:2:

In a letter to his disciple Timothy, Paul expresses a prohibition against women teaching men, but we know, and he knew, that Timothy was instructed by his mother and grandmother.

2014, Jimmy Carter, “The Bible and Gender Equality”, in A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power, Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 25:

A companion of Paul mentioned in the Bible.


backslide

en-verb

backslide (third-person singular simple present backslides, present participle backsliding, simple past backslid or backslided, past participle backslidden or backslid or backslided)

backslides (present singular third-person)
backsliding (participle present)
backslid (past)
backslided (past)
backslidden (participle past)
backslid (participle past)
backslided (participle past)

(Christianity) To revert back into a life of sin after being saved.


Black Friday

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From black (“bad; ill-omened; marked by disaster”). Friday is an ill-omened day according to ancient superstition, so a Friday that was darkened by another ill-omen (such as being the 13th) or an actual disaster became known as "Black Friday". Philadelphia police applied the term to the day after Thanksgiving because the large number of people out shopping made traffic chaotic. Later, PR efforts purposely invented the incorrect, more positive "etymology" (which is a very popular urban legend and false etymology that was even in Wiktionary from 2008 to 2015) that the name was given because this day is supposedly the first day of the year on which retailers typically posted profits ('in the black') rather than losses ('in the red').

Coordinate term: Cyber Monday

en:day after US Thanksgiving, a busy shopping day

(US, Canada, UK, business, retailing) The day after US Thanksgiving Day, generally regarded as the first day of the Christmas season, and the busiest shopping day of the year. Observed in the US, Canada, and more recently to an extent, the UK.


secret Santa

I could tell Mary was my secret Santa.

The person who buys a present for another in a secret-Santa exchange.


eschaton

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἔσχατον (éskhaton, “last thing”), from the neuter singular of ἔσχατος (éskhatos, “last”).

bor+

Only in the eschaton will God’s purpose gain its final fulfilment, a fulfilment, be it noted, which may still include some form of movement within a time-series.

1953, F. W. Dillistone, “The Church and Time”, in Scottish Journal of Theology, volume 6, page 163:

And this is also true of the revelation of the eschata: they do not reach us in a discourse about the future still to come, but in an action, in which God has already really begun them in us.

1966 [1962], Karl Rahner, “The Hermeneutics of Eschatological Associations”, in Karl Rahner, translated by Kevin Smyth, Theological Investigations, volume 4, page 336:

Without these sayings, the textual basis for saying Jesus expected an imminent eschaton becomes very slender.

1994, Marcus J. Borg, Jesus in Contemporary Scholarship, →ISBN, page 86:

(Christianity, theology) The apocalypse; the arrival and the era of God’s reign immediately preceding the end of the world; a conception of or circumstance pertaining to this era.


spiritualism

en-noun

spiritualism (countable and uncountable, plural spiritualisms)

/ˈspɪɹɪt͡ʃuəlɪzəm/

/ˈspɪɹɪt͡ʃəlɪzəm/

From spiritual + -ism.
In Allan Kardec's 1857 book The Spirits Book (Le Livre des Esprits in original French), in which a distinction between spiritism and spiritualism is defined.

What is called spiritualism should, I think, be called a mental species of materialism.

1880, R. H. Hutton, “Preface”, in Theological essays:

(philosophy) A doctrine, opposing materialism, that claims transcendency of the divine being, the altogether spiritual character of reality and the value of inwardness of consciousness.

espiritualisme

the philosophic doctrine, opposing materialism

The quality or state of being spiritual.


Pauline conversion

Pauline conversion (plural Pauline conversions)

the conversion of Paul the Apostle to Christianity on the road to Damascus


remaining

For where Gelasius saith, that "there remaineth the substance or nature of bread and wine," to declare thereby the remaining of two natures in Christ, you say, that "Gelasius' saying may be verified in the last, and not in the first," that is to say, that the nature of bread and wine remaineth.

1580, Thomas Cranmer, An Answer Unto A Crafty and Sophistical Cavillation Devised by Stephen Gardiner, Parker Society, published 1844, page 298:

It is important for us to know to what extent the remaining of that naval force is advantageous, and I hope therefore, that you will seek an opportunity informally to confer upon this question, […]

1864 August 8, William H. Seward, “Mr Seward to Mr Pike, No. 171”, in Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Part 3, published 1865, page 322:

In this steadfast remaining with the Church that he so often criticizes, Küng shows himself to be a true son of Roman Catholicism.

1975, Michael D. Ryan, Langdon Brown Gilkey, editors, The Contemporary Explosion of Theology, page 39:

(uncountable, now obsolete or in theology) An act or occurrence by which someone or something remains


Reuben

en-proper noun

Reuben (countable and uncountable, plural Reubens)

* From Hebrew רְאוּבֵן (r'uvén), from רְאוּ (r'ú, “see [masculine plural imperative]”) + בֵּן (ben, “son”); its literal meaning is therefore roughly, "See, all: a son!"
* There are several unconfirmed etymologies for the name of the sandwich.

(biblical) First son of Jacob, by his wife Leah.


Reuben

(biblical) A member of one of the Israelite tribes, descended from Reuben.


hijra

From Arabic هِجْرَة (hijra, “departure, exodus”). Doublet of hegira.

bor

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Hijrah means Moving from a land of Shirk to a land of Islaam.

2007, Abu Maryam Isma’eel Alarcon, transl., The Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab, Al-Ibaanah E-Books, page 17:

(Islam) Emigration from a non-Muslim country to a Muslim one.


ger

Coordinate term: giyoret

(Judaism) A male convert to Judaism; a Jewish proselyte.


Hijra

From Arabic هِجْرَة (hijra, “departure, exodus”), used in reference to Muhammad’s flight from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, from the verb هَجَرَ (hajara, “emigrate, to abandon”). Doublet of Hegira, which went through Latin.

The Islamic calendar, dated from the Hijra.


Gregorian

/ɡɹɪɡɔːɹi.ən/

Of or relating to James Gregory (mathematician), inventor of the Gregorian telescope.


Visitation

Eastern Christianity
Eastern Christianity

Western Christianity
Western Christianity

(Christianity) The visit of the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth; the commemoration of this on May 30th in Eastern Christianity or May 31st in Western Christianity.


Christmas ham

en-noun

Christmas ham (countable and uncountable, plural Christmas hams)

Ham prepared in various other ways in various regions at Christmas, such as stuffed ham in parts of the United States, or ham soaked in fruit juices in the Philippines.


Christmas card

“[…] the awfully hearty sort of Christmas cards that people do send to other people that they don't know at all well. You know. The kind that have mottoes like
 Here's rattling good luck and roaring good cheer, / With lashings of food and great hogsheads of beer. […]”

1921, Ben Travers, chapter 1, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC:

A greeting card that is decorated in a manner that celebrates Christmas.


Christmas carol

Christmas carol (plural Christmas carols)

So also when he was born into the World, the holy Angels came down to sing his Christmas Carol, and at once to proclaim and celebrate his Nativity.

(music) A carol (song or hymn) whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas.

تَرْنِيمة عِيد اَلْمِيلَاد

hymn whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas


anastasis

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀνάστασις (anástasis, “resurrection”).

bor

(Christianity) resurrection, especially the resurrection of Jesus Christ


peristyle

From French péristyle, from Classical Latin peristȳlum, from περίστυλον (perístulon), from περι- (peri-, “around”) + στῦλος (stûlos, “pillar”).

af

The peristyle is a roofed structure, open at the sides, in which most of the ceremonials and dances take place.

1953, Maya Deren, Divine Horsemen, McPherson & Company, published 2004, page 47:

Most peristyles in Haiti have hard-packed dirt floors that can soak up libations when they're poured on the ground in honor of the spirits.

2007, Kevin Filan, The Haitian Vodou Handbook, Destiny Books, page 35:

(voodoo) A sacred roofed courtyard with a central pillar (the potomitan), used as a space for voodoo ceremonies, either alone or as an adjunct to an enclosed temple or altar-room.


polytheist

a believer in, or advocate of, polytheism


Apophis

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From Ancient Greek Ἄποφις (Ápophis), a borrowing from Egyptian ꜥꜣpp altered after ὄφις (óphis, “snake”).

(Egyptian mythology) An evil snake-god who tries to devour the sun every night.

أبوفيس

an evil snake-god who tries to devour the sun every night

The spacecraft’s navigators have worked out a trajectory that would take it to the asteroid Apophis in April 2029, just after that object, a bit smaller than Bennu, zips within an uncomfortably close but still safe 20,000 miles from Earth.

2021 May 10, Kenneth Chang, “Bye-Bye, Bennu: NASA Heads Back to Earth With Asteroid Stash in Tow”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:

(astronomy) An asteroid that formerly had a high risk of collision with Earth.


Christmas present

en-noun

Christmas present (countable and uncountable, plural Christmases present)

Christmas + present (“relating to now, current”). Present is used as a postpositioned adjective. First popularized in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Christmas past becomes Christmas present.

1998 May 15, Janet Colsher Teitsort, Long-Distance Grandma: How to Stay Connected with Grandkids Far Away, Baker, →ISBN, page 145:

Anita had been relieved to unload the burden of her Christmases Past following her Process but she certainly hasn't told Max any of the details of the Christmases present she'd be spending with John.

2012 May 3, Stella Duffy, chapter 13, in Wavewalker, Profile Books, →ISBN, section 5:


Christmas cake

Christmas cake (countable and uncountable, plural Christmas cakes)

They enjoyed music from a live saxophonist during the journey before visiting Braintree Town Hall for refreshments and Christmas cake.

2021 December 29, “Network News: Music train for dementia sufferers”, in RAIL, number 947, page 19:

A rich fruit cake covered with marzipan and icing, traditionally eaten at Christmas.


wudu

(Islam) the state of purity that is achieved by this washing


surplice

Inherited from Middle English surplys, from Old French surpeliz, from Medieval Latin superpelliceum, from Latin super (“over”) and pellis (“fur”).

On the previous night he had taken the manuscript out of a long neglected chest, containing old shooting jackets, old Oxbridge scribbling books, his old surplice, and battered cap and gown, and other memorials of youth, school, and home.

1848 November – 1850 December, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter III, in The History of Pendennis. […], volume II, London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1850, →OCLC:

Beneath an old ebony table were two long carved oak chests. I lifted the lid of one, and at the top was a once-white surplice covered with dust, and beneath was a mass of tracts — Commonwealth Quartos, unbound — a prey to worms and decay.

1880, William Blades, The Enemies of Books, page 40:

He was a wide man and looked wider in his surplice, especially from our pew, which was close up under the pulpit.

1942, Emily Carr, “The Blessing”, in The Book of Small, Toronto, Ont.: Oxford University Press, →OCLC:

A liturgical vestment of the Christian Church in the form of a tunic of white linen or cotton material, with wide or moderately wide sleeves, reaching to the hips or knees, usually featuring lace decoration and embroidered bordures.


Biblical Latin

Late Latin, as used in translations and commentaries on the Bible, influenced by biblical Greek and Hebrew.


shaman

Borrowed from German Schamane, from Russian шама́н (šamán), from Evenki шама̄н (şamān), сама̄н (samān). The Evenki word is possibly derived from the root ша- ("to know"); or else a loanword from Tocharian B ṣamāne (“monk”) or Chinese 沙門／沙门 (shāmén, “Buddhist monk”), from Pali samaṇa from Sanskrit श्रमण (śramaṇa, “ascetic, monk, devotee”), from श्रम (śrama, “weariness, exhaustion; labor, toil; etc.”), which would make this a doublet of sramana.

der

Near-synonyms: medicine man, medicine woman, priest-doctor, witch doctor

Shepard: What rites did you go through to become chief shaman?
Shaman: Becoming the shaman is excruciating. I passed through rites that made me wish to die. I carry the scars on my soul.
Shaman: I must perform rites each dawn and dusk to keep me bound into our krogan nature. Our spirit is one of violence and death. I must be attuned to that.

2010, BioWare, Mass Effect 2 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Tuchanka:

A member of certain tribal societies who acts as a spiritual or religious medium between the concrete and spirit worlds; sometimes also a healer.


ante-Nicene

(Christianity, historical) Of or relating to those early Christians who lived before the council of Nicea in 325 AD.

anteniceno

relating Christianity before the council of Nicea in 325AD


de-Muslimize

en-verb

de-Muslimize (third-person singular simple present de-Muslimizes, present participle de-Muslimizing, simple past and past participle de-Muslimized)

de-Muslimizes (present singular third-person)
de-Muslimizing (participle present)
de-Muslimized (participle past)
de-Muslimized (past)

(intransitive) To sacrifice Islamic character.


humanitarian

en-adj

humanitarian (comparative more humanitarian, superlative most humanitarian)

more humanitarian (comparative)
most humanitarian (superlative)

From humanity + -arian (suffix indicating an advocate of or believer in something), possibly modelled after Unitarian (“Christian who does not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity; pertaining to Unitarianism”) (see noun sense 2 and verb sense 2).

suffix

I might further object that ſome Humanitarians would tell you that the doctrine of the atonement is perfectly compatible with the ſimple humanity of Chriſt, ſo that to every perſon of the Humanitarian perſuaſion the former tenet does not appear "mockery and deluſion."

[1792], Benjamin Hobhouse, “Letter V”, in A Reply to the Rev. F[rancis] Randolph’s Letter to the Rev. Dr. [Joseph] Priestley; or, An Examination of the Rev. F. Randolph’s “Scriptural Revision of Socinian Arguments:” […], Trowbridge, Wiltshire: […] Abraham Small, for T[homas] Cadell, […], →OCLC, section IV (Of Your Comments upon the Following Extract from Dr. Priestley’s Letter to Dr. [Richard] Price, Page 45), page 85:

[Y]ou muſt have recourſe to pretty ſtrong figure to reconcile that belief to humanitarian tenets, from this beautiful and ſublime chapter.

1793, F[rancis] Randolph, Scriptural Revision of Socinian Arguments Vindicated, against the Reply of Benjamin Hobhouse, Esq., Bath, Somerset: […] R. Cruttwell, for T[homas] Cadell, […], →OCLC, pages 147–148:

(Christianity, rare) Of or pertaining to the belief that Jesus Christ is fully human and not divine.


humanitarian

But it will be demanded, how happened it that Irenæus, the pupil of that Polycarp who is repreſented to have been a Humanitarian, ſhould become a zealous advocate for the Deity of Chriſt?

[1792], Benjamin Hobhouse, “Letter IV”, in A Reply to the Rev. F[rancis] Randolph’s Letter to the Rev. Dr. [Joseph] Priestley; or, An Examination of the Rev. F. Randolph’s “Scriptural Revision of Socinian Arguments:” […], Trowbridge, Wiltshire: […] Abraham Small, for T[homas] Cadell, […], →OCLC, section II (Of Your Quotation from Irenæus), page 171:

[S]hould any one tell a Humanitarian, that I worſhipped and adored my Saviour, might he not with equal juſtice ſuppoſe me to avow only the ſame ſort of reverence I thought due a parent, or the adoration one profeſſed to pay any beloved object.

1793, F[rancis] Randolph, Scriptural Revision of Socinian Arguments Vindicated, against the Reply of Benjamin Hobhouse, Esq., Bath, Somerset: […] R. Cruttwell, for T[homas] Cadell, […], →OCLC, page 34:

It is well understood that most Unitarians, especially those recently educated, are humanitarians. They deny the preexistence of Christ, and regard him as no more than a highly gifted and Divinely inspired prophet, a man.

1829 January, “Introduction”, in The Spirit of the Pilgrims, volume II, number 1, Boston, Mass.: Peirce and Williams, […], →OCLC, page 7:

He [Charles Spear] is not a Trinitarian nor yet a Humanitarian, but seems to favor what is sometimes called the Superangelic scheme. He appears to have shrunk from relying on Jesus as a man, and to have been unable to perceive the strict identity of the Son with the Father, and so gets for a Saviour a being neither God nor man.

1841 July, “Art VIII.—Literary Notices. [Names and Titles of the Lord Jesus Christ. By Charles Spear. Fourth Edition. […] 1841. 12mo. pp. 400. (book review).]”, in The Boston Quarterly Review, volume IV, number III, Boston, Mass.: Benjamin H. Greene, […], →OCLC, page 392:

(Christianity, rare) One who believes that Jesus Christ is fully human and not divine.


cassock

It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.

1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter X, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC:

In one of the aisles there was an elaborately carved confessional box and I recognised the village priest in his heavy mountain boots and black cassock as he entered it and drew the dark velvet curtains behind him.

1956, Delano Ames, chapter 13, in Crime out of Mind:

When leading worship, Elsie usually wore a long black cassock and preaching bands. This would, of course, save her from the worry of choosing a suitable costume.

2014, Alan Argent, Elsie Chamberlain: The Independent Life of a Woman Minister, Routledge, →ISBN, page 203:

An item of clerical clothing: a long, sheath-like, close-fitting, ankle-length robe worn by clergy members of some Christian denominations.


Priscilla

Feminine diminutive form of a Roman cognomen Priscus, from Latin prisca (“ancient”).

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

An early Christian, mentioned in the Bible and also known as Prisca.


Lamentations

(biblical) a book of the Old Testament of Bible, and of the Tanakh

ܐܘܠܝܬܐ ܕܐܪܡܝܐ

ʾŌlīṯā dəʾErməyā


established church

en-noun

established church (plural established churches)

A church that is officially recognized as a national or state church by a government; in England it is the Church of England.


godhead

godhead (countable and uncountable, plural godheads)

Inherited from Middle English godhede, equivalent to god + -head (“-hood”). First attested in the Ancrene Wisse (ca. 1225); compare godhood and Dutch godheid as well as German Gottheit.

Adoring firſt the Genius of the Place, / Then Earth, the Mother of the Heav'nly Race, / The Nymphs, and native Godheads yet unknown, / And Night, and all the Stars that gild her ſable Throne,

1697, Virgil, “The Seventh Book of the Æneis”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC, page 405, lines 185–188:


Holy Week

The week preceding Easter containing Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday), Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Holy Friday (Good Friday), and Holy Saturday.

Easter Week

the week following on from Easter Sunday


autocephalous

en-adj

autocephalous (not generally comparable, comparative more autocephalous, superlative most autocephalous)

more autocephalous (comparative)
most autocephalous (superlative)

From Ancient Greek αὐτοκέφαλος (autoképhalos), from αὐτο- (auto-, “self-”) + κεφαλή (kephalḗ, “head”). By surface analysis, auto- + -cephalous.

der

Coordinate term: autonomous

The defenders of Anglican independence maintain that there were anciently Churches autocephalous, dependent on no patriarch, and refer to the Churches of Cyprus as thus constituted, and allege that the British Churches enjoyed the same right of self-government and ordained their own prelates.

1845, Francis Patrick Kenrick, The Primacy of the Apostolic See Vindicated, Philadelphia, page 178:

Poroshenko's speech was viscerally anti-Russian, and his loudest applause line came when he vowed to establish an autocephalous (independent from Moscow) Ukrainian Orthodox Church patriarchate.

2020 June 23, John Bolton, The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, New York, N.Y.: Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, page 447:

(Christianity, of a church) Fully independent of the authority of any other church.

Coordinate term: autonomous

(Christianity, of a bishop) Presiding over an autocephalous church.


churchman

/ˈt͡ʃɜːt͡ʃmən/

From church + man. Compare kirkman and German Kirchmann.


life after death

The state of afterlife; existence in heaven.


Israelite

From the Latin Isrāēlīta (“Israelite”), from the Ancient Greek Ἰσρᾱηλῑ́της (Isrāēlī́tēs, “Israelite”), from Ἰσρᾱήλ (Isrāḗl, “Israel”), from the Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yiśrāʼēl, “Israel”), by surface analysis, Israel + -ite.

(rare, chiefly in Protestantism) Of or pertaining to the descendants of the patriarch Jacob.

Israelities

of or pertaining to the ancient nation(s) of Israel, their inhabitants, or to the descendants of the patriarch Jacob


Hagiographa

From Middle English agiogrofa, Agiogropha, from Medieval Latin hagiographa, from Ancient Greek ἁγιόγραφα (hagiógrapha), from ἅγιος (hágios, “holy, saintly”) + γρᾰ́φω (gráphō, “to write”).

(Judaism) The third division of the Hebrew scriptures; the Ketuvim.


pandoro

/panˈdɔːɹəʊ/

Borrowed from Italian pandoro (literally “golden bread”).

bor

A sweet bread loaf of Veronese origin, in the shape of a star, traditionally eaten at Christmas.

意大利黃金麵包

Christmas sweet bread loaf in the shape of a star


Markan

(Christianity) Of, or relating to Mark the Evangelist.


sacrament of reconciliation

en-noun

sacrament of reconciliation (plural sacraments of reconciliation)

(Roman Catholicism) The sacrament (sacred ritual) also called confession, involving contrition by a person, confessing sins to a priest, penance performed by the person, and absolution granted by the priest.

告解聖事

sacrament involving contrition, confession, penance, and absolution


panettone

panettone (countable and uncountable, plural panettones or panettoni)

Borrowed from Italian panettone, from Lombard panaton, an augmentative of pan (“bread”).

I have long admired panettone, the ultimate raisin bread, the ideal toast and French toast, a great base for poached fruit, and a substitute for bread in bread pudding which redefines the dish. Panettone looks like the back of an Italian Renaissance cathedral […]

1989, The Atlantic, volume 263, page 52:

In this tasty holiday recipe, traditional panettone is stuffed with a creamy filling. This is a traditional Christmas bread recipe from Milano which can now not only be found across Italy, but worldwide.

2005, Anthony Parkinson, Italian Desserts, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 39:

A soft Italian sourdough brioche from Milan, with candied fruit, usually prepared for Christmas as a dessert.


paska

paska (countable and uncountable, plural paskas)

From Ukrainian па́ска (páska) and Russian па́ска (páska), borrowing from Ancient Greek πάσκα (páska), phonetic variant of πάσχα (páskha), from Aramaic פסחא (pasḥa), from Hebrew פֶּסַח (pesaḥ). Doublet of Pesach.

(Canada) A traditional Ukrainian egg bread, often decorated, used in Easter traditions.


medicine man

Probably a calque of Ojibwe mashkikiiwinini (“doctor”), from mashkiki (“medicine”) + inini (“man”).

cal

One of the most successful of the tent road-showmen is Dr. J. Van Cleve, old-time medicine man, who operates out of Portland. Van Cleve pitches his tent for a week and shows a different film program each night combined with a vaude show.

1942 September 19, “Van Cleve Shows Pix Under Canvas On Coast”, in Billboard, volume 54, number 37, page 26:

the medicine man offered free entertainment in exchange for an opportunity to sell hope to a nation of individually troubled people.

1991, Quentin J. Schultze, Televangelism and American Culture; The Business of Popular Religion, Baker Book House, →ISBN, page 128:


Calvary

From Middle English Calvarie, from Latin calvāria (“skull”).

The hill outside Jerusalem which is traditionally held to be the location of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Golgota

the hill outside Jerusalem — see also Golgotha


Kriss Kringle

The practice of hanging up stockings in the chimney corner for Kriss Kringle to fill with toys, pretty books, bon-bons, &c., for good children, is being superseded by that of placing a Christmas Tree on the table to await the annual visit of the worthy Santa Klaus.

1847, “Advertisement”, in Kriss Kringle’s Christmas Tree. A Holiday Present for Boys and Girls, Philadelphia, Pa.: Published by Grigg & Elliot, →OCLC:

What if that other room, also, had its Christmas tree? What if in every room these evidences of Kriss Kringle’s more enterprising handiwork had already been obtruded?

1878, Leonard Kip, “St. Nicholas and the Gnome”, in Hannibal’s Man and Other Tales. The Argus Christmas Stories, Albany, N.Y.: The Argus Company, printers, →OCLC, chapter III, page 331:

The Dutch of New Netherlands called the good giver of gifts, Kriss Kringle, the Christ Child, and the name came into our family vocabulary through our Dutch ancestor, Great-grandfather Wible.

1937, Emma Hackett Knox, “Holidays”, in The Story of the Old Homestead: (The Smith-Hackett Homestead), [Rahway, N.J.]: Privately printed [by Quinn & Boden Co.], →OCLC, part II (The Owners and the Families that have Lived on the Old Homestead), pages 205–206:


Proverbs

head

(the) Proverbs pl or sg (singular Proverb)

The Proverbs are an excellent springboard for broad-ranging Bible study. If you study Solomon’s pearls of wisdom, you will find the Spirit of God leading you (by chain references or quiet remembrance) all over the Old and New Testaments for confirming, clarifying examples.

2005, Greg Hinnant, “May I Recommend the Proverbs?”, in Precious Pearls from the Proverbs, Creation House, →ISBN, page 6:

Erman’s remark (1924) that a decent wisdom book was destroyed when it was absorbed into the book of Proverbs coheres well with the scholarly consensus that Proverbs is a clumsy accretion of ill-digested material.

2008, Peter T.H. Hatton, “Unity and Diversity in Proverbs”, in Contradiction in the Book of Proverbs: The Deep Waters of Counsel (Society for Old Testament Study Series), Ashgate Publishing, →ISBN, page 47:

A book of the Old Testament of Bible, and of the Tanakh, being a collection of moral maxims.


paralipomenon

/pæɹəlɪˈpɒmɪnɒn/

Borrowed from Ancient Greek Παραλειπομένων (Paraleipoménōn, “of things omitted”) παραλείπω (paraleípō, “I leave remaining”).

bor+

Παραλειπομένων

There are other books, which seem of a different class, and are neither connected with the proceeding class, nor with each other; such is Job, such Tobias, and Esther, and Judith, and the two books of Machabees, and two of Esdras, which seem rather more to follow up that regular course of history, which closed with the Kingdoms, or the Paralipomenon: […]

1846, James Waterworth, The Faith of Catholics, 3rd edition, volume 1, London, page 336:

(biblical) Either of the Books of Chronicles in the Old Testament.


Winterval

(UK) A period of holidays in midwinter, including both secular and religious holidays (i.e. not just the specifically Christian and Western festivals of Christmas and New Year's Day).


endowment

en-noun

endowment (countable and uncountable, plural endowments)

From Middle English endowement; equivalent to endow + -ment.

(Mormonism) A ceremony designed to prepare participants for their role in the afterlife.


orison

From Middle English orisoun, from Anglo-Norman oreison, oresoun etc. and Old French oraisun etc., from Latin ōrātiō, ōrātiōnem (“discourse, prayer”) (whence also English oration).

der

The faire Ophelia! Nymph, in thy Orizons / Be all my ſinnes remembred.

c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene i], page 265, column 2, lines 88–89:

"I hope," said a voice by her side, "your absent brother will not engross all your orisons."

1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXVII, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume I, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 320:

1917, Wilfred Owen, Anthem for Doomed Youth
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.


Mennonite

Eponymous to Menno Simons, the second-generation leader of the denomination, + -ite.

A member of any of a group of Protestant churches or denominations in the Anabaptist tradition, practicing credobaptism and committed to nonresistance and nonviolence, many of whom may wear plain dress and shun modern technology.

mennoniste

older term not used by today's Mennonites

Menno

informal term for a Mennonite; also male given name


confessional

The confessional's chief amusement has been seduction–in all the ages of the Church.

c. 1909, Mark Twain, Letters from the Earth, Letter XI:

In one of the aisles there was an elaborately carved confessional box and I recognised the village priest in his heavy mountain boots and black cassock as he entered it and drew the dark velvet curtains behind him.

1956, Delano Ames, chapter 13, in Crime out of Mind:

(Roman Catholicism) A small room where confession—the Sacrament of Penance—is performed in private with a priest.

rrëfyestore

small room where confession is performed


Gregorian chant

en-noun

Gregorian chant (countable and uncountable, plural Gregorian chants)

Named after Pope Gregory I (540–604), and certainly dating back to that time in some form, but the exact origin is a matter of ongoing research.

(music) A style of unaccompanied monophonic singing in the Catholic Church.


conventual

en-adj

conventual (comparative more conventual, superlative most conventual)

more conventual (comparative)
most conventual (superlative)

From Medieval Latin conventuālis, from Latin conventus (“convent”).

The noise of her steps, light as they were, attracted the stranger's notice, who, turning round and letting her mantle fall as she did so, showed a tall and stately figure, dressed in what appeared to be some conventual costume.

1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “The Disclosure”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 304:

The Sunday Times has convinced me I ought to immediately start out on a new regime of positively conventual austerity in order to reduce the burden on a strained NHS by not forcing them to have to cope with my ling cancer or coronary.

1976, Angela Carter, “Health on the Brain”, in Shaking a Leg, Vintage, published 2013, page 82:

The Breton Club resumed its meetings in the refectory of an empty conventual building in the rue Saint-Jacques.

1992, Hilary Mantel, A Place of Greater Safety, Harper Perennial, published 2007, page 267:

Pertaining to a convent or convent life; cloistered, monastic.


Taoism

The philosophical Taoism of the “Tao Te Ching” seeks to remain connected to this “mother of the world,” the formless Tao (meaning “Way” or “Course”), that is seemingly the opposite of all we value, but is actually the source of all we value, as manure is to flowers, as the emptiness of a womb is to the fullness of life.

2020 September 16, George Yancy, quoting Brook Ziporyn, “How to Die (Without Really Trying)”, in New York Times, archived from the original on 2020-09-16:

Taoism puts a significant emphasis on noninterference, imbuing the decision not to act with moral quality. As a result, Taoism seems like a virtue ethic, with wu-wei as its chief virtue.

2022 Jan-Mar, Liam C. Butchart, “Taoism, bioethics, and the COVID-19 pandemic”, in Tzu Chi Medical Journal, volume 34, number 1, →DOI, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2022-06-15:

A Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century B.C.E. that teaches conformity to the tao by unassertive action and simplicity.

The Chinese New Year holiday period, being disrupted this year by the outbreak of a viral illness, has evolved over more than 3,000 years to become the most important of China’s traditional festivals.
As celebrated in China and in many other places where its known as the Lunar New Year, it is largely a secular holiday, yet it includes rituals and traditions that derive from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, as well as from ancient myths and folk religions.

2020 January 23, David Crary, “Chinese New Year secular now but kept religious underpinning”, in AP News, archived from the original on 2022-06-15:

A religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means.

طَاوِيَّة

Buddhism is the most followed religion in Singapore, with over 40 percent of the population declaring themselves believers, according to the latest census. Most of these practice a form of the religion that incorporates elements of Taoism and traditional Chinese faiths.

2010 May 17, Edgar Su, “Lasers, iPods, for a Singapore funeral of a lifetime”, in Miral Fahmy, editor, Reuters, archived from the original on 2022-06-15, Lifestyle:

(Singapore) Traditional Chinese folk religion


Trappist

From French trappiste, from La Trappe Abbey, the monastery where the order was originated.

A monk or nun of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (a branch of the Cistercians Roman Catholic religious brotherhood that use a particularly strict interpretation of the Rule of St Benedict).

trappist

a monk or nun of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance


pentacle

PIE word
 *pénkʷe
From Middle French pentacle, from Old French pentacol (“pendant”), from pent (“hangs”), a (“from”), and col (“neck”), thus "hangs from neck". Likely reanalyzed in medieval times as coming from penta- (“five”) and -culum (object forming suffix), as evidenced by the Latinized form pentaculum and the narrowing of the modern sense to a five-pointed design, especially a pentagram.

ouer this pott and the cyrcle hold the pentacles, and perfume them; and say deuoutly theis psalmes followynge

mid- to late-16th century, British Library Additional manuscript 36674, London:

of the same pentacles be certayne exorcizmes and names ineffable and carecters and signes of all the science, therefore, in them the whole science of all this art lyeth hydd

1572, The Clavicle of Solomon, revealed by Ptolomy the Grecian [British Library Sloane MS 3847], London:

if ye constraine any spirit to come before you and when ye haue shewed him ye secret pentacles, there is none dare say against your minde

A flat talisman, almost always star-shaped, made of parchment, sheet metal, or other substance, marked with a magic symbol or symbols, used in magical evocation.

he drew a pentacle or five-pointed star.

1949, Gerald Gardner, chapter 10, in High Magic's Aid, page 92:

a five-pointed star (pentacle).

1954, Gerald Gardner, chapter 12, in Witchcraft Today:

the figure of the pentacle, or pentagram.

1959, Gerald Gardner, chapter 8, in The Meaning of Witchcraft, page 122:

(Wicca) A pentagram, or a disk with a pentagram on it, especially one that is used for magical or mystical purposes.

The pentacle—a pentagram enclosed within a surrounding circle—as found as the centre-piece on a witch's altar is often worn as a silver pendant by witches and other neo-pagans alike repesenting their beliefs in the interconnectedness and interdependence of the powers of nature and spirit.

2002, Kevin Saunders, Wiccan Spirituality: A Magical Attitude for the 21st Century, London: Green Magic, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 57:

A pentacle is a pentagram with a circle drawn around it.

2006, Denise Zimmermann with Gleason, Katherine and Liguana, Maria, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft, Indianapolis: Alpha, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, LCC BF1566.Z55 2006, page 146:

The pentagram becomes a pentacle when it is enclosed within a circle and inscribed on a disc or stone.

2007 March 1, Ruth Barr, chapter 5, in Women's Rites, Women's Mysteries: Intuitive Ritual Creation, 2nd edition, Woodbury: Llewellyn Publications, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, LCC BL625.7.B39 2007, page 93:

A figure formed by two equilateral triangles intersecting regularly so as to form a six-pointed star.


Hanukkah

Originated 1890–95. From Hebrew חנוכה / חֲנֻכָּה (khanuká, “dedication, consecration”) from חָנַךְ (khanákh, “to dedicate, to consecrate”).

bor

חנוכה / חֲנֻכָּה

(Judaism) An eight-day Jewish festival, starting on the 25th day of Kislev, which commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek Syrians.

followed by Chanukah and Hanukah. Other forms


Lazarus

From Late Latin Lazarus, from Koine Greek Λᾱ́ζᾱρος (Lā́zāros), the given name of Biblical characters found in Luke 16 and John 12, from Biblical Hebrew אֶלְעָזָר ('El'azár), a given name shared by various figures in the Hebrew Bible and literally meaning "God has helped". Doublet of Eleazar.

I’ve always been moved by the story of Lazarus as it is recounted in the Gospel of John. The basic shape of the narrative is recognizable and relatable: Someone dies, and the heartbroken family pleads for their loss to be reversed. In the case of Lazarus, Christ is so moved by the family’s grief that he interferes with the natural order of things and grants an exception like no other: He brings the dead man back to life. This makes it an exemplar of a kind of cosmic partiality, what we would all hope for at our most wounded and vulnerable. Caravaggio pins the scene down to its material facts: the confused faces of the onlookers, the downcast faces of the sisters, the necrotic body of Lazarus, the supernatural authority of Christ.

2020 September 23, Teju Cole, “In Dark Times, I Sought Out the Turmoil of Caravaggio’s Paintings”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2020-09-23:

(biblical) Lazarus of Bethany, a man supposedly raised from the dead by Jesus Christ and later (Christianity) revered as a saint.

Lazarus of Bethany

New Testament character raised from the dead

(biblical) A beggar in a parable by Jesus Christ, traditionally (Christianity) believed to have been a leper and often conflated with Lazarus of Bethany.

לַעְזָר (la'zár) (used in the Franz Delitzsch translation of the New Testament)


anamnesis

en-noun

anamnesis (countable and uncountable, plural anamneses)

From Ancient Greek ἀνάμνησις (anámnēsis, “remembrance”), verbal noun of ἀναμιμνήσκω (anamimnḗskō), from ἀνα- (ana-) + μιμνῄσκω (mimnḗiskō, “call to mind”).

affix

(Christianity) The remembrance and celebration of God’s works by the liturgy of the church.


confirmed

a confirmed Catholic

(Christianity) Having received the rite of confirmation.

konfirmeret

having received the rite of confirmation


Lady Day

By Lady Day the Scriptorium was ready to receive the "copying and burrowing" of the host of readers who had been directed by Furnivall for the past twenty years.

1977, K.M. Elizabeth Murray, Caught in the Web of Words, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 173:

25th March, Christian holy day, the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.


suttee

en-noun

suttee (countable and uncountable, plural suttees)

From Sanskrit सती (satī́, “good and virtuous or faithful wife”), from सत् (sát, “true, good, right etc.”). In English usage since 1786. Doublet of sin.

uder

(historical, Hinduism) The traditional custom of a Hindu woman giving herself up to be cremated on her husband’s funeral pyre as a sign of her devotion.


Ascension Day

The fortieth day of Easter, that is the Thursday 39 days after Easter.


Christmastide

en-noun

Christmastide (countable and uncountable, plural Christmastides)

From Christmas + -tide (“period around a festival”).


seven deadly sins

From Middle English dedly synnes sueyn, vij dedly synnes.

(Catholicism) The cardinal sins enumerated by medieval philosophers and theologians: pride (or vanity, vainglory), envy, gluttony, greed (or avarice), lust, sloth (or acedia), and wrath (or anger).


psalter

From Middle English psauter & sauter, from Old French psautier & saltier, from Latin psalterium (“a kind of lute or zither”), from Ancient Greek ψαλτήριον (psaltḗrion, “harp”). Doublet of psalterion, psalterium, and psaltery.

quinquagene

a collection of 50 psalms, typically with commentary

(Christianity) Synonym of Psalms, particularly when printed as a separate work from the Bible.

(Catholicism) Synonym of breviary, which arranges the Psalms for devotional recitation.

Book of Common Prayer
Book of Common Prayer#English

(Anglicanism) Synonym of Book of Common Prayer, which prominently includes the Psalms.

(Catholicism) A rosary with 150 beads, used for reciting the Psalms in Catholic editions of the Bible.


Childermas

From Childermas-Day, from Middle English Childermasse day, from childer (“children”) + masse (“mass, religious service”).

compound

(Christianity) A religious service and holiday commemorating the supposed Massacre of the Innocents in Judea around the time of the birth of Christ, typically observed on 28 December in Western Christianity and 29 December in Eastern Christianity; in Spanish and Latin American contexts, the day is frequently filled with light-hearted pranks similar to April Fools' Day.

Onnozele Kinderen

day commemorating the Massacre of the Innocents


yuletide

en-noun

yuletide (countable and uncountable, plural yuletides)

From Yule (“Germanic Winter Festival”) + -tide (“period around a festival”); compare Swedish juletid.

suffix

Alternative letter-case form of Yuletide (“Christmas or the Christmas season”).


the Lord's Anointed

Compare Ancient Greek χριστός (khristós, “[the] anointed [one]”).

m+

And Dauid sayd to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lords Anointed, and be guiltlesse?

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Samuel 26:9:

Yes, he wanted power—he wanted to know himself to be the Lord's anointed, His well-beloved, and worthy, nearly, of that snow-white dove which had been sent down from Heaven to testify that Jesus was the Son of God.

1953, James Baldwin, “Gabriel’s Prayer”, in Go Tell It on the Mountain, New York, N.Y.: Dell Publishing Co., published October 1970, →OCLC, part 2 (The Prayers of the Saints), page 94:


Mithraic

From Mithras + -ic. First attested in English circa 1678. More at Mithras.

[T]hat the Druids deliberately adopted Mithraic, Serapic or other exotic rituals is, to me, unthinkable.

1928, Lewis Spence, Mysteries of Britain, page xii. 249:


shaitan

From Arabic شَيْطَان (šayṭān, “satan, devil”). Doublet of Satan.

bor

'... hence, we are always malā'ika (angels), forgetting that ashayṭān was once a malāk (angel).

2014, Zuckermann, Ghil‘ad, Burning issues in Afro-Asiatic linguistics, page 141:

'... 'A man and a jinni became friends. One day, the man asked the jinni, 'How come you look like a real human being?' [The jinni answered,]'We... shayāṭīn 'devils/demons' appear to people in whatever form we want, and we disappear whenever we want.'.

2014, Zuckermann, Ghil‘ad, Burning issues in Afro-Asiatic linguistics, page 140:


Savior

مُنْقِذ

(Christianity) Jesus Christ — see also savior, Messiah


scapular

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-scapular.wav

From Latin scapulāre, from Latin scapula (“shoulder”). Compare scapulary.

A scapular, or friar's coat, for example, was a coveted object to be worn as a preservative against pestilence or the ague […]

1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 30:

She granted the Whitefriars identical powers to the Blackfriars, to bless a part of their friar's habit which draped over their shoulders and was known as the scapular; now laity could wear it and derive spiritual privileges from it.

2009, Diarmaid MacCulloch, A History of Christianity, Penguin, published 2010, page 409:

(Christianity) A short cloak worn around the shoulders, adopted as part of the uniform of various religious orders, later often with an embroidered image of a saint.

escapulari

a short cloak with an embroidered image of a saint

(ornithology) One of a special group of feathers which arise from each of the scapular regions and lie along the sides of the back.

A bandage passing over the shoulder to support it, or to retain another bandage in place.

(Christianity) A devotional object, typically consisting of two rectangular pieces of cloth (often with an embroidered image or text) joined with cloth bands and worn with one piece over the chest and one in the back.


Ash Wednesday

From Middle English Aschewednysday, Axwednesdai, from asshe, axe (“ash”) + Wednesdai, Wednysday (“Wednesday”), from the custom of using the blessed ashes of the previous year's palm fronds (cf. Palm Sunday) to mark the heads of the congregation on the day. By surface analysis, ash + Wednesday.

Pope Gregory the Great introduced the sprinkling of ashes... which gave it the name of Ash-Wednesday.

1834, Penny Cyclopaedia, volume II, page 454:

(Christianity) The Wednesday 46 days before Easter in a given year, (Catholicism) traditionally observed as the beginning of Lent and a day of strict abstention from certain foods and pleasures.

Մոխրոտ չորեքշաբթի

the Christian day of penitence 46 days before Easter


Arioch

(biblical) The King of Ellasar, who participated in the Battle of the Vale of Siddim, described in Genesis.

(biblical) The person who was, according to the Torah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar to put to death the wise men of Babylon.

Arioque

man ordered to put to death the wise men of Babylon


Clymene

(Greek mythology) A nymph married to Iapetus, mother of Prometheus, Epimetheus, Menoetius and Atlas.


sanctuary

en-noun

sanctuary (countable and uncountable, plural sanctuaries)

/ˈsæŋkt͡ʃʊəɹi/

/ˈsæŋkt͡ʃuˌɛɹi/

From Middle English seyntuarie, from Old French saintuaire, from Late Latin sanctuarium (“a sacred place, a shrine, a private cabinet, in Medieval Latin also temple, church, churchyard, cemetery, right of asylum”), from Latin sanctus (“holy, sacred”); see saint.

der

The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.


Canticles

A clipping of Canticle of Canticles, a calque of Latin Canticum Canticorum (“Song of Songs”).

(biblical) Synonym of Song of Songs, a canonical book of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament.


inspired

en-adj

inspired (comparative more inspired, superlative most inspired)

more inspired (comparative)
most inspired (superlative)

Korean shamans are thought to be capable of inspired speech, in which they convey the words of the gods.

The point which I wish to establish is this, that the whole prediction of the future establishment of the religion of the Gospel was an inspired prediction, a prediction answerable to the highest test of a supernatural prescience.

1824, John Davidson, Discourses on Prophecy, in which are considered its structure, use, and inspiration: being the substance of twelve sermons preached in the chapel of Lincoln's Inn, London: John Murray, Albermarle Street, page 502:

(religion) Infused with power or knowledge granted from a supernatural entity; possessing inspiration from the divine.


Chaverim

Any of many secular Jewish organizations.


calends

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Mélange a trois-calends.wav

From Middle English calendes, calendas, calendis, kalandes, kalendas, kalendes, kalendez, kalendis, kalendus (also in the singular forms calende, kalend, kalende), from Latin kalendās, accusative plural of kalendae (“first day of a Roman month”), an archaic variant of calandae, from calandus (“which is to be called or announced solemnly”), the future passive participle of calō (“to call, announce solemnly”) (referring to the Roman practice of proclaiming the first days of the lunar month upon seeing the first signs of a new crescent moon), from Proto-Indo-European *kelh₁- (“to call, cry, summon”). Although the singular form calend (now obsolete, rare) appeared in English (and compare Old English calend, kalendus (“calends; a month”)), no singular form was used in Latin as recurring days of the calendar were always referred to in the plural.
Sense 2 (“a day for settling debts and other accounts”) refers to the Roman practice of fixing the calends as the day for debts to be paid.

nb...

Containing an Account of Their Manners, Customs, Diversions, Religious Rites, Philosophy, Festivals, Oracles, Laws, Arts, Engines of War, Weights, Measures, Money, Medals, Computation and Division of Time, Chronological Terms, Heresies in the Primitive Church, &c. &c.

The feasts of the Israelites were the Sabbath; the first day of each month, called in our translations calends, or new-moon; the three great feasts of the passover, pentecost, and tabernacles, instituted in memory of the three greatest blessings they received from God, […]

1809, Claude Fleury, “Their Religion”, in Adam Clarke, transl., The Manners of the Ancient Israelites; […], 3rd edition, London: Sold by William Baynes, […]; J[oseph] Butterworth, […]; and T. Blanshard, […], →OCLC, page 147:

חֹדֶשׁ m. […] the new moon, the day of the new moon, the calends of a lunar month which was a festival of the ancient Hebrews, Num[bers] 29:6; 1 Sam[uel] 20:5; 18:24; Ex[odus] 19:1, […]

1846, [Wilhelm] Gesenius, “חֹדֶשׁ”, in translated by Samuel Prideaux Tregelles, Gesenius’s Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament Scriptures. Translated, with Additions and Corrections from the Author’s Thesaurus and Other Works, London: Samuel Bagster and Sons, […], →OCLC, page CCLXIII, column 1:

(by extension, biblical, Judaism, obsolete) Synonym of Rosh Hodesh (“the Jewish festival of the new moon, which begins the months of the Hebrew calendar”)


Judica Sunday

From Latin Judica (“Judge!”), from the first word of the introit of the day's mass, traditionally a Latin translation of Psalm 43.

Thus in 1647, I in all humility accepted this removal, and preached my trial sermon on Judica Sunday, in the presence of the parishioners and commissaries.

1862, Mrs. Malcolm (translator), Gustav Freytag (author), Martin Bötzinger (primary source), Pictures of German Life In the XVᵗʰ, XVIᵗʰ and XVIIᵗʰ Centuries, volume 2, page 115, Chapman and Hall (London)

The diet at Nuremberg was to be held on Invocavit Sunday, 2nd March, and that at the Emperor’s Court on Judica''' Sunday, 3Oth March.

1906, Ludwig Pastor, The History of the Popes: From the Close of the Middle Ages, page 96:

The fifth Sunday is “Judicia.” (Judge. Psalm 43:I.) Judicia Sunday is sometimes also called Black Sunday in contrast with the Sunday before it, and the nearness of the dark sorrows of Passion Week and Good Friday.

1950, “Luther League Review”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name), Lutheran Church in America:

(Roman Catholicism) Synonym of Passion Sunday: the fifth Sunday in Lent.


yazata

Transliteration from Avestan substantivized adjective 𐬫𐬀𐬰𐬀𐬙𐬀 (yazata, “(an entity that is) worthy of worship”). Doublet of Yazd.


chaya

(Judaism) One of the cabalistic aspects of the soul, related to the personality.


Deposition

(Christianity) The removal of Jesus from the cross.


televangelist

Pastor Walton had spent several years learning from the televangelist host of Success-N-Life, Robert Tilton, at his Bible school in Texas.

2013, Kate Bowler, Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel, Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 4:

A religious minister (often a Christian priest or minister) who devotes a large portion of his or her ministry to television broadcasts to a regular viewing audience.


Wandering Jew

The length of the stoppages could not well be reduced; indeed, they are already too short if we are to believe the tale now current of a wandering Jew sort of passenger—a lady of advanced years who can only alight from a train backwards. Every time she begins to get out a porter rushes up crying "Hurry up, ma'am; train's going!"—and pushes her in again!

1944 May and June, “When the Circle was Steam Operated”, in Railway Magazine, page 150:

A Jewish shoemaker who, in Christian tradition, taunted Jesus Christ on the way to his (Jesus') crucifixion and for that was condemned to wander the Earth until Jesus' return (ie. the second coming).

jueu errant

the Jewish shoemaker from the Christian legend


deposition

en-noun

deposition (countable and uncountable, plural depositions)

From Middle English deposicion, from Old French deposicion (French déposition), from Latin depositio.

calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease

(religion) The formal placement of relics in a church or shrine, and the feast day commemorating it.

απόθεση

the formal placement of relics in a church or shrine, and the feast day commemorating it


Judaic

Borrowed from French judaïque, from Latin Iudaicus, from Ancient Greek Ἰουδαϊκός (Ioudaïkós), ultimately from Hebrew יְהוּדָה (y'hudá, “Judah”). By surface analysis, Juda + -ic. Doublet of Jewy.

While many consider Chanukah a celebration of Judaic values over Greek values, this is an error. The Maccabees were fighting for the rights of all cultures to exist within the same empire.

1977 December 17, Eric Rogers, “The Message Of Chanukah For Gay People”, in Gay Community News, volume 5, number 24, page 4:

The gods' begettings in the Theogony are reminiscent of the biblical human begettings in the Old Testament and emphasize their being in nature, unlike the Judaic God outside of it.

2007, John Peterman, On Ancient Philosophy:

Pertaining to the Jews, their culture or their religion.

юдейски

pertaining to the Jews, their culture or their religion — see also Jewish


pleroma

pleroma (countable and uncountable, plural pleromas)

Adam Black
David Don
Wernerian Natural History Society

Learned borrowing from Late Latin pleroma (“(Gnosticism) spiritual universe seen as the totality of the essence and powers of God”), from Koine Greek πλήρωμᾰ (plḗrōma, “(biblical) perfect fullness”), Ancient Greek πλήρωμᾰ (plḗrōma, “that which fills, a complement; a filling up, a completing”), from πληρόω (plēróō, “to make full, fill; to complete, finish”) (from πλήρης (plḗrēs, “complete, full”) (from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₁- (“to fill”)) + -όω (-óō, suffix forming verbs with the sense of making someone be or do something)) + -μᾰ (-ma, suffix forming nouns denoting the result or effect of an action).
Sense 1.1 (“plant”) is borrowed from New Latin Pleroma, a genus name coined by the Scottish botanist David Don (1799–1841) in 1822, from Ancient Greek πλήρωμᾰ (plḗrōma) (see above) to describe the way the seeds of the plant filled the capsule.
Sense 2 (“state of perfect fullness”) is chiefly used in reference to Colossians 2:9 of the Bible: “Ὅτι ἐν αὐτῶῳ κατοικεῖ πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τῆς θεότητος σωματικῶς (Hóti en autôōi katoikeî pân tò plḗrōma tês theótētos sōmatikôs) [For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form]”.

coinage

And is all this Cabala too, and only to be uſed when People are to be gulled with noiſy Nothings? i.e. with empty Pleroma's, and ſilent Thunderclaps.

1697 May 5 (date written; Gregorian calendar), E. W. [i.e., Edward Stillingfleet], “Postscript”, in The Bishop of Worcester’s Answer to Mr. [John] Locke’s Letter, Concerning Some Passages Relating to His Essay of Humane Understanding, […], London: […] J. H. for Henry Mortlock […], published 1697, →OCLC, page 143:

(Christianity) A state of perfect fullness, especially of God's being as incarnated in Jesus Christ.

պլերոմա

state of perfect fullness, especially of God’s being as incarnated in Jesus Christ


pleroma

There is a way to comprehend the gnostic's giant onion of a world, the concentric circles, with the Pleroma beckoning there, the white heart of light, the source of that primal vision which for a second or two can recapture paradise.

1974, Lawrence Durrell, “Macabru”, in Monsieur (The Avignon Quintet; 1), New York, N.Y.: Viking Press, published 1975, →ISBN, page 131:

(Gnosticism, historical) Often preceded by the: the spiritual universe seen as the totality of the essence and powers of God.


Tridentine

en-adj

Tridentine (comparative more Tridentine, superlative most Tridentine)

more Tridentine (comparative)
most Tridentine (superlative)

From Latin Tridentīnus (“pertaining to Trent”).

bor

(Catholicism) Pertaining to the form of Mass promulgated at the Council of Trent, often called the Tridentine Mass.

(Catholicism) Aligned with the traditionalist Catholic movement.


Frigga

From Frigg + -a, with suffix added to make the name more obviously feminine in English.


obit

From Anglo-Norman obit, Middle French obit, and their source, Latin obitus (“going down; death”), from obīre (“to go down, to die”).

Medieval wills often contained bequests to pay for the singing of special (non-perpetual) masses on the testator's behalf. These obits, as they were called, combined alms for the poor with masses for the dead.

1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 582:

(Christianity, historical) A mass or other service held for the soul of a dead person.


neologist

Back-formation from neologism. Compare French néologiste.

(theology, historical, originally derogatory) An adherent of neology.


casuist

From French casuiste, from Spanish casuista, from Latin casus (“case”).

(ethics) A person who resolves cases of conscience or moral duty.