1. An ancient Greek priest who interpreted sacred mysteries, especially the priest of the Eleusinian mysteries. 2. An interpreter of sacred mysteries or arcane knowledge. 3. One who explains or makes a commentary.
ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophants : hieros, holy; see eis- in Appendix I + -phants, one who shows (from phainein, phan-, to show; see bh-1 in Appendix I).
h
r-
nt
, h
r
s : hieros, holy; see eis- in Appendix I + -phant
-1 in Appendix I).
