magus
/'meigəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A member of the Zoroastrian priesthood of the ancient Persians: A "magus" was a priest, scholar, and astrologer in the ancient Zoroastrian religion of Persia (modern-day Iran).
- A magician or sorcerer of ancient times: In a broader historical or literary sense, a "magus" refers to a wise man, enchanter, or practitioner of magic, often from ancient times.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The three Magi, or wise men, who visited the infant Jesus are traditionally considered magi.
- In the ancient Persian court, a magus would have been responsible for religious rituals and interpreting dreams.
Advanced Usage
- "The Magi": This capitalized plural form specifically refers to the "wise men from the East" in the Christian Nativity story, who are said to have followed a star to bring gifts to the baby Jesus.
- The story of the Magi is celebrated during the Christian feast of Epiphany.
Variants and Related Words
- Magi (n, plural): The plural form of "magus," most famously used for the biblical wise men.
- Magic (n): The art of producing illusions or controlling events by supernatural means. The word "magic" is derived from the practices associated with the magi.
- Magician (n): A person who performs magic or illusions.
Synonyms
- Sorcerer: A person who claims to use magic powers.
- Wise man: A man who is experienced and knowledgeable, often in spiritual or philosophical matters.
- Astrologer: A person who uses astrology to predict or advise.
Notes on Meaning
The word has two primary historical meanings. The first is a specific, historical title for a Zoroastrian priest. The second is a more general, often literary term for a wise man or sorcerer, heavily influenced by the biblical story. The plural form "Magi" is far more common in modern English than the singular "magus."
Noun
- a member of the Zoroastrian priesthood of the ancient Persians
- a magician or sorcerer of ancient times