taurobolium

[ tawr-uh-boh-lee-uhm ]

noun

, plural tau·ro·bo·li·a [tawr-, uh, -, boh, -lee-, uh].

1. the sacrifice of a bull, followed by the baptism of neophytes in the blood, as practiced in the ancient rites of Mithras or Cybele.
2. Fine Arts. a representation of the killing of a bull, as in Mithraic art.

Word History and Origins

Origin of taurobolium¹

1690–1700; < Late Latin < Greek taurobólion, equivalent to tauroból ( os ) bull sacrifice ( taûro ( s ) bull + bólos a cast, throw, akin to bolḗ a wound, bállein to throw) + -ion diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

Taurobolium, a sacrifice of expiation, very common in the third and fourth centuries.

From Project Gutenberg

Sextilius Agefilaus Ædesius says, that he was born a-new, to life eternal, by means of the Taurobolium and Criobolium.

From Project Gutenberg

For instance, you all know they had a custom of having their sins expiated by means of what they called taurobolium.

From Project Gutenberg

The details and effect of the ceremony were no doubt similar to those of the taurobolium.

From Project Gutenberg

The taurobolium is thought to have signified a death to the old life and a new birth into a higher, divine existence.

From Project Gutenberg