hierophant

noun hi·ero·phant \ˈhī-(ə-)rə-ˌfant, hī-ˈer-ə-fənt\

Definition of HIEROPHANT

: a priest in ancient Greece; specifically : the chief priest of the Eleusinian mysteries

a : expositor

b : advocate 2

— hi·ero·phan·tic \ˌhī-(ə-)rə-ˈfan-tik, (ˌ)hī-ˌer-ə-\ adjective

Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophantēs, from hieros + phainein to show — more at fancy

First Known Use: 1677

Synonyms: advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler (or gospeller), herald, exponent, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight

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