Dictionary entry

Hierophant

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Hi‐er″o‐phant (hī̍‐ĕr″ō̍‐fant or hī″ẽr; 277), n. [L. hierophanta, hierophantes, Gr. ιεροφἅντησ; ιερὅσ sacred + φαίνειν to show, make known: cf. F. hiérophante.] The presiding priest who initiated candidates at the Eleusinian mysteries; hence, one who teaches the mysteries and duties of religion. Abp Potter.