flamen

American  

[fley-muhn, -men] / ˈfleɪ mən, -mɛn /

noun

plural

flamens, flamines

1. (in ancient Rome) a priest.

---

flamen British  

/ ˈfleɪmɛn /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) any of 15 priests who each served a particular deity

---

Etymology

Origin of flamen

1300–50; < Latin flamen (perhaps earlier *flādmen; akin to Old English blōtan to sacrifice); replacing Middle English flamin < Latin flāmin- (stem of flāmen )

Example Sentences

This is reflected generally in the Roman priesthood, but especially in the ceremonial surrounding the flamen Dialis, the priest of Iuppiter.

From The Religion of Ancient Rome by Bailey, Cyril

The election of members was by co-optation on the motion of the president, who, with a flamen, was himself elected for one year.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 7 "Arundel, Thomas" to "Athens" by Various

Caesar was at once marked out for high distinction, being created flamen Dialis or priest of Jupiter.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

There was hardly a religious office, except that of the flamen, that might not be filled by a civilian.

From Introduction to the History of Religions Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV by Jastrow, Morris

The deputies elected a flamen of the province who had surveillance of the cult, and there were also flamens for each city.

From The Religion of the Ancient Celts by MacCulloch, J. A.