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faustian

 - 3 dictionary results

Faus⋅ti⋅an

  [fou-stee-uhn]
Use faustian in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Faust: a Faustian novel.
2. sacrificing spiritual values for power, knowledge, or material gain: a Faustian pact with the Devil.
3. characterized by spiritual dissatisfaction or torment.
4. possessed with a hunger for knowledge or mastery.
Origin:
1875–80; Faust + -ian
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Faust   (foust)   
n.  A magician and alchemist in German legend who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for power and knowledge.

[German, after Johann Faust (1480?-1540?), German magician and alchemist.]
Faust'i·an (fou'stē-ən) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

Faustian 
1876, a reference to Johann Faust (1488-1541), Ger. wandering astrologer and wizard, who was reputed to have sold his soul to the Devil. He was the hero of dramas by Marlowe and Goethe.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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