agapetae
|a-ga-pe-tae|
/ˌæɡəˈpiːti/
spiritual companionship
Etymology
'agapetae' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'agapētai,' where 'agapē' meant 'love' or 'affection.'
'agapētai' was used in early Christian texts to describe women who lived in spiritual companionship with men, eventually becoming the term 'agapetae' in English.
Initially, it meant 'beloved ones' in a spiritual sense, but over time it evolved to specifically refer to women in early Christian communities living in celibate companionship.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in early Christian communities, women who lived with celibate men in a spiritual relationship without sexual relations.
The agapetae were respected for their spiritual dedication.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/28 14:06