magus
UK[ˈmeɪɡəs]US[ˈmeɪɡəs]
n
A member of a priestly class in ancient Persia, especially one skilled in astrology and magic.
n
A sorcerer or magician.
Etymology
The word 'magus' has a journey from a specific ethnic and religious title to a general term for a practitioner of esoteric arts. It originates from the Old Persian 'magush', referring to a member of the priestly caste of the ancient Medes and Persians. Greek adopted it as 'magos' to denote these Persian priests, who were renowned by Greek writers for their wisdom in astrology and interpretation of dreams. Through Latin, the term entered English, and its association with the Persian priests' arcane knowledge caused its meaning to broaden and secularize into 'magician' or 'sorcerer'.
Analysis
The entire word 'magus' is a simplex loanword from Latin, which itself borrowed it from Greek. It is not productively segmented into smaller meaningful parts in modern English spelling.
Examples
The three wise men, or Magi, who visited the infant Jesus are traditionally considered magi from the East.
In the story, the old magus lived in a tower, studying ancient spells and celestial movements.
The term 'magic' is derived from the practices attributed to the ancient magi.