Cathar
(in medieval Europe) a member of any of several rigorously ascetic Christian sects maintaining a dualistic theology.
Historical Examples
Cathar′sis, evacuation of the bowels; Cathart′ic, a purgative medicine; Cathar′tin, the purgative principle of senna.
Chambers’s Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) Various
Here seems to belong in the order of development the Cathar Eucharist (see Cathars).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 8 Various
noun (pl) -ars, -ari (-ərɪ), -arists
a member of a Christian sect in Provence in the 12th and 13th centuries who believed the material world was evil and only the spiritual was good
n.
1570s, “religious puritan” (implied in Catharism), from Medieval Latin Cathari “the Pure,” name taken by Novatians and other Christian sects, from New Testament Greek katharezein “to make clean,” from Greek katheros “pure.” Related: Catharist.
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- Catharine-wheel
Catherine wheel. Historical Examples It has five lights, and the head of the window contains a fine catharine-wheel. Bell’s Cathedrals: The Abbey Church of Tewkesbury H. J. L. J. Mass
- Catharsis
the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music. Medicine/Medical. purgation. Psychiatry. psychotherapy that encourages or permits the discharge of pent-up, socially unacceptable affects. discharge of pent-up emotions so as to result in the alleviation of symptoms or the permanent relief of the condition. […]
- Cathartic
of or relating to catharsis. Also, cathartical. evacuating the bowels; purgative. a purgative. Contemporary Examples One hopes they will lose in court, but if they settle, may the punitive clobbering be profound—and cathartic. The Hearing From Hell Tunku Varadarajan April 26, 2010 The show offers no cathartic “gotcha” moments, no easy answers, and no rapid-fire […]
- Cathartically
of or relating to catharsis. Also, cathartical. evacuating the bowels; purgative. a purgative. Contemporary Examples Better still, Kill Your Friends, despite its 1997 setting, feels bracingly, cathartically, of the moment. The Sound of Violence Taylor Antrim February 16, 2009 adjective purgative effecting catharsis noun a purgative drug or agent adj. 1610s, of medicines, from Latin […]
- Cathay
China. Contemporary Examples One airline that has already banned shipments on its passenger flights is Cathay Pacific. Passenger Flights Must Stop Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries as Cargo Clive Irving May 4, 2014 This is the story of the Jesuit who more than 500 years ago made himself part of Cathay. James Fallows: 5 Favorite ‘Outsiders In […]