hierodule

noun

hi·​ero·​dule ˈhī-(ə-)rō-ˌdül How to pronounce hierodule (audio) hī-ˈer-ə- How to pronounce hierodule (audio)
-ˌdyül
plural hierodules
: a person and especially a woman in ancient times who was consecrated as a servant to a deity and/or temple and whose duties included sex acts

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin hierodulus, from Greek hierodoulos, from hieron temple + doulos slave

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hierodule was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near hierodule

hierocratic

hierodule

hierodulic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Hierodule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hierodule. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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