bacchants
|bac-chants|
/ˈbækənts/
(bacchant)
ecstatic female followers of Dionysus
Etymology
'bacchants' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Bacchantes', where 'Bacch-' referred to 'Bacchus' (the Roman god of wine) and '-antēs' was a participial/plural ending meaning 'those who [perform an action]'.
'bacchants' changed from the Greek word 'bakchantēs' (βακχάντης) into Latin 'Bacchantes', and through transmission into Medieval and Modern English the form 'bacchant' (and plural 'bacchants') was adopted, keeping the association with Dionysian/Bacchic rites.
Initially, it meant 'followers of Bacchus participating in ritual rites', but over time it evolved into its current broader meaning of 'participants in orgiastic revelry' or, figuratively, 'persons who indulge in excessive revelry'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a follower of Bacchus (the Roman god of wine), especially one who took part in the ancient rites and ceremonies associated with his worship.
The bacchants danced around the altar as the ancient rites were enacted.
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Noun 2
a participant in orgiastic, drunken, or frenzied revelry (often used of groups engaged in libertine or ecstatic celebrations).
Reports said the bacchants paraded through the streets in a wild, drunken procession.
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Noun 3
used figuratively, a person given to excessive indulgence in pleasure, especially drinking and noisy celebration.
The novel's antagonists were portrayed as bacchants who squandered their fortunes on endless feasts.
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Last updated: 2025/12/24 15:30