Hesychast

[ hes-i-kast ]

noun

1. one of a sect of mystics that originated in the 14th century among the monks on Mt. Athos, Greece.

Hesychast

/ ˈhɛsɪˌkæst /

noun

1. Greek Orthodox Church a member of a school of mysticism developed by the monks of Mount Athos in the 14th century

Derived Forms

• ˌHesyˈchastic, adjective

Other Words From

• Hesy·chastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hesychast¹

1825–35; < Medieval Latin hesychasta < Greek hēsychastḗs a recluse, equivalent to hēsycház ( ein ) to be quiet, be still (verbal derivative of hḗsychos quiet, still) + -tēs agent suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hesychast¹

Cl8: from Medieval Latin hesychasta mystic, from Greek hēsukhastēs, from hēsukhazein to be tranquil, from hēsukhos quiet

Example Sentences

In the Hesychast controversy he took the side of the monks of Athos, but refused to agree to the theory of the uncreated light.

From Project Gutenberg