Manichean

or Man·i·chae·an

[ man-i-kee-uhn ]

noun
  1. 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
  1. of or relating to the Manicheans or their doctrines.

Origin of Manichean

1
1300–50; Middle English Maniche (<Late Latin Manichaeus<Late Greek Manichaîos of Manes) + -an

Other words from Manichean

  • Man·i·che·an·ism, Man·i·che·ism, noun

Words Nearby Manichean

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use Manichean in a sentence

  • In this last particular, the tendency of the Fourieristic morality is quite Manichean.

    What is Property? | P. J. Proudhon
  • The dualist idea and a complete rejection of the Old Testament were leading Manichean doctrines.

    How France Built Her Cathedrals | Elizabeth Boyle O'Reilly