theriomorphic

American  

[theer-ee-uh-mawr-fik] / ˌθɪər i əˈmɔr fɪk /

Or theriomorphous

adjective

1. (of deities) thought of or represented as having the form of beasts.

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theriomorphic British  

/ ˌθɪərɪəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of a deity) possessing or depicted in the form of a beast

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• theriomorph
  noun

Etymology

Origin of theriomorphic

1880–85; < Greek thēriómorph ( os ) beast-shaped ( thērío ( n ) wild beast + -morphos -morphous ) + -ic

Example Sentences

If our theory of the evolution of gods is correct, we may expect to find in the myths of Indra traces of a theriomorphic character.

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Lang, Andrew

The Algonkins, however, thought otherwise, and the myth itself suggests a theriomorphic earth-maker.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

The god, anthropomorphic or theriomorphic, was worshipped in well-defined rites; the organization was highly developed; and the ritual is analogous to many other ancient rituals.

From The Witch-cult in Western Europe A Study in Anthropology by Murray, Margaret Alice

The process by which an anthropomorphic god or hero succeeds to the exploits of animals, of theriomorphic gods and heroes, is the most common in mythology, and is illustrated by actual practice in modern India.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew

In the myths of the other races on the North-west Pacific Coast nothing is more remarkable than the theriomorphic character of the heroes, who are also to a certain extent gods and makers of things.

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Lang, Andrew