hierodule

noun

hi·​ero·​dule ˈhī-(ə-)rō-ˌdül How to pronounce hierodule (audio) hī-ˈer-ə- How to pronounce hierodule (audio)
-ˌdyül
plural hierodules
: a person and especially a woman in ancient times who was consecrated as a servant to a deity and/or temple and whose duties included sex acts

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin hierodulus, from Greek hierodoulos, from hieron temple + doulos slave

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hierodule was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Hierodule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hierodule. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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