Illuminatus

Meanings

1. A member of any of various societies, sects or other people claiming religious or intellectual enlightenment.
2. A member of the early church who had received baptism and been given a lighted taper as a symbol of the spiritual illumination they had received.
3. A member of a Spanish sect of the sixteenth century, who believed that, by means of prayer, they had attained so perfect a state as to have no need of ordinances, sacraments, good works, etc.; the Alumbrados or Perfectibilists.
4. A member of certain associations in Europe who combined to promote social reform in pursuit of perfection; especially one originated in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt.
5. A member of an obscure sect of French familists.
6. A member of the Hesychasts, Mystics, and Quietists.
7. A member of the Rosicrucians.
8. A member of an alleged global elite secret society which has as its ultimate objective the subjugation of humanity (world domination or New World Order).

Etymology

From Latin illūminātus.