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

borrowed from Latin mystagōgus "priest initiating people to sacred mysteries," borrowed from Greek mystagōgós "person instructing or sponsoring a candidate for initiation into religious mysteries," from mýstēs "person initiated into a religious cult" + -agōgos "impelling, leading" — more at mystic entry 1, -agogue

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mystagogue was circa 1540

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Cite this Entry

“Mystagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystagogue. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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