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 19 Mar. 2024.

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