mystagogue

noun

mys·​ta·​gogue ˈmi-stə-ˌgäg How to pronounce mystagogue (audio)
1
: one who initiates another into a mystery cult
2
: one who understands or teaches mystical doctrines
mystagogy noun

Word History

Etymology

Latin mystagogus, from Greek mystagōgos, from mystēs initiate (perhaps akin to Greek myein to be closed) + agein to lead — more at agent

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mystagogue was circa 1540

Dictionary Entries Near mystagogue

Cite this Entry

“Mystagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystagogue. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!