theosoph
(ˈθiːəsɒf)
[= Fr. théosophe (a 1784 Diderot in Littré), ad. med.L. theosophus (Scotus Erigena a 880), a. late Gr. θεόσοϕ-ος (a 500, Pseudo-Dionysius De Div. Nom. §6) wise concerning God, f. θεός God + σοϕός wise.]
One who pursues theosophy (sense 1).
(The med.L. theosophus was often used for theologian, in contrast with philosophus.)
| 1822 Southey in Q. Rev. Jan. 37 This Theosophe was too poor, too religious, and too insane to have any share in establishing the seminary..at Avignon. 1838 Fraser's Mag. XVII. 27 The Theosophs were right in separating entirely the mind from the soul. 1878 Morley Diderot I. v. 203 The article on Theosophs would hardly have been so disproportionately long as it is, merely for the sake of Paracelsus. 1880 Chambers' Encycl. IX. 400/1 Within the Christian period we may number among Theosophs, the Neo-Platonists..; the Hesychasts of the Greek Church [etc.]. |