SKIP TO CONTENT

magus

/ˈmeɪgəs/
IPA guide

Other forms: magi

A magus is a follower of Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion. You can also use magus to mean "magician" or "wise man."

In ancient Persia, a Zoroastrian priest (or a member of that particular caste) was a magus. The word's meaning grew to include practitioners of astrology and magic, but in English its plural form, magi, is most commonly used for the three wise men, or magi, who are described visiting Jesus in the Bible. Magus means "magician" in Latin, and its roots go back to the Old Persian magush, also "magician."

Definitions of magus
  1. noun
    a member of the Zoroastrian priesthood of the ancient Persians
    see moresee less
    type of:
    non-Christian priest, priest
    a person who performs religious duties and ceremonies in a non-Christian religion
  2. noun
    a magician or sorcerer of ancient times
    see moresee less
    type of:
    magician, necromancer, sorcerer, thaumaturge, thaumaturgist, wizard
    one who practices magic or sorcery
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘magus'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family