hierophant

hi·er·o·phant  (hr--fnt, hr-, h-r-fnt)

n.

1. An ancient Greek priest who interpreted sacred mysteries, especially the priest of the Eleusinian mysteries.

2. An interpreter of sacred mysteries or arcane knowledge.

3. One who explains or makes a commentary.

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[Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophants : hieros, holy; see eis- in Indo-European roots + -phants, one who shows (from phainein, phan-, to show; see bh-¹ in Indo-European roots).]

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hier·o·phantic adj.

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hierophant [ˈhaɪərəˌfænt]

n

1. (Historical Terms) (in ancient Greece) an official high priest of religious mysteries, esp those of Eleusis

2. a person who interprets and explains esoteric mysteries

[from Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophantēs, from hiero- + phainein to reveal]

hierophantic  adj

hierophantically  adv