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agapetae

plural noun
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aga·​pe·​tae | \ ˌä-gə-ˈpā-ˌtī, ˌa-gə-; ˌa-gə-ˈpē-ˌtē \

Definition of agapetae

: women of the early church who lived under a vow of chastity in the same house with men bound to strict celibacy

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First Known Use of agapetae

circa 1823, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for agapetae

Late Latin, from Late Greek agapētai, plural of agapētē, from Greek, feminine of agapētos beloved, desirable, to be acquiesced in, from agapan to welcome, love

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The first known use of agapetae was circa 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Agapetae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agapetae. Accessed 6 May. 2021.

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