archons
|ar-chon|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑɹkən/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːkɒn/
(archon)
ruler, magistrate
Etymology
'archon' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἀρχών' (archōn), where the root 'ἄρχειν' (arkhein) meant 'to rule, begin'.
'archon' changed from the Ancient/Byzantine Greek word 'archōn' into Medieval/Latin usage (Medieval Latin 'archon') and was later borrowed into modern English as 'archon'.
Initially, it meant 'leader' or 'ruler' in a civic or political sense; over time it retained that core meaning but also developed religious and metaphysical senses (for example in Gnostic texts where it denotes cosmic or hostile spiritual rulers).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(Historical) One of the chief magistrates or rulers in ancient Greek city-states, especially Athens; a civic official.
The archons managed many of the city's public ceremonies and legal processes.
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Noun 2
a leader or high-ranking official in later/Byzantine contexts or used generally for someone who holds authority.
Several archons convened to discuss the governance of the province.
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Noun 3
(Religious/mythological) In Gnostic and some esoteric traditions, a class of cosmic rulers or hostile spiritual beings said to govern the material world and obstruct souls.
In the text, the archons are described as obstructive powers that keep souls bound to the material realm.
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Last updated: 2025/10/08 04:04