Cathar

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A member of certain so self-styled Novatian and other medieval Christian sects embracing a form of dualism and extraordinary practices purportedly adhering to Mary Magdalene's teachings, persecuted by Roman Catholics as heretics.

Pronunciation

/ˈkæθɑɹ/

Word forms

Cathar Cathari Cathars

Etymology

Recorded since the 16th century; from the masculine plural of Medieval Latin Catharī (“Pure (ones)”), from the masculine plural of Byzantine Greek καθαροί (katharoí, “Pure (ones)”), from the masculine singular of Byzantine Greek καθαρός (katharós, “Pure (one)”), from Ancient Greek καθαρός (katharós, “pure”).

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