maenad
oxford
views updated May 23 2018maenad in ancient
Greece, a female follower of
Bacchus, traditionally associated with divine possession and frenzied rites. Recorded from the late 16th century, the word comes via Latin from Greek
Mainas,
Mainad-, from
mainesthai ‘to rave’.
The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES
Maenad
oxford
views updated May 23 2018Maenad Bacchante. XVI. — L.
Mænas,
-ad- — Gr.
Mainás,
-ad-, f.
maínesthai rave.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD
