ophiolatry
English edit
Etymology edit
From ophio- + -latry, from Ancient Greek ὄφις (óphis, “snake”) and λατρεία (latreía, “worship”).
Noun edit
ophiolatry (uncountable)
- snake worship
- Hyponym: Ophism
- 1896, Smithsonian Institution, Annual Report of the Board of Regents:
- The serpent depicted on one of the food vessels is so close in its symbolism to this mythic being of Tusayan folklore that it is probable ophiolatry of a kindred sort was practiced in the ancient pueblo of Sikyatki where it was found.
References edit
- “ophiolatry”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.