Manichean

or Man·i·chae·an

[man-i-kee-uh n]

noun

Also Man·i·chee [man-i-kee] /ˈmæn ɪˌki/. an adherent of the dualistic religious system of Manes, a combination of Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and various other elements, with a basic doctrine of a conflict between light and dark, matter being regarded as dark and evil.

adjective

of or relating to the Manicheans or their doctrines.

Origin of Manichean

1300–50; Middle English Maniche (< Late Latin Manichaeus < Late Greek Manichaîos of Manes) + -an

Related formsMan·i·che·an·ism, Man·i·che·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for manichean

Contemporary Examples of manichean

Now that same Manichean worldview has led the neocons to support an Afghan surge.
How the Surge Hurts Israel
Peter Beinart
December 6, 2009

Historical Examples of manichean

His mythology, when he came to paint the world in myths, was Manichean.
Shelley, Godwin and Their Circle
H. N. Brailsford
But Chesterton is too much of a Manichean to let it go at that.
Six Major Prophets
Edwin Emery Slosson
Perhaps the Manichean in De Gourmont fabricated its revolting images.
Unicorns
James Huneker
We are going to make a party to hear this Manichean of poesy.
Life of Lord Byron, Vol. II
Thomas Moore
Under the reign of Robert in 1007 several heretics were burned at Orleans for tenets which are represented as Manichean.
View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 (of 3)
Henry Hallam