cathar

English - English

Definition of cathar in English English dictionary

A member of certain so self-styled Novatian and other Christian sects embracing a form of dualism and extraordinary practices, persecuted by Roman Catholics as heretics

The Albigenses, famous Cathars in and around Albi (southern France), were eradicated in a bloody ‘crusade’.

Related Terms

Catharism

A Christian religious sect of mediaeval Europe, with dualistic and gnostic elements

catharism

a Christian movement considered to be a medieval descendant of Manichaeism in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries; characterized by dualism (asserted the coexistence of two mutually opposed principles, one good and one evil); was exterminated for heresy during the Inquisition

Hyphenation

Cath·ar

Etymology

[ 'ka-"thär ] (noun.) 1637. Recorded since the 16th century; from Medieval Latin Catharī, from late Greek καθαροί (katharoí, “the Pure”), plural of Ancient Greek καθαρός (katharós, “pure”).