Cathar

Recorded since the 16th century; from Medieval Latin Catharī, from Byzantine Greek καθαροί (katharoí, “the Pure”), plural of Ancient Greek καθαρός (katharós, “pure”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈkæθɑɹ/

Cathar (plural Cathari or Cathars)

1. A member of certain so self-styled Novatian and other Christian sects embracing a form of dualism and extraordinary practices adhering to Mary Magdalene's teachings, persecuted by Roman Catholics as heretics.

   The Albigenses, famous Cathars in and around Albi (southern France), were eradicated in a bloody ‘crusade’.

Most often used in the plural.

• Catharism
• Catharist
• Catharistic

• catharsis
• cathartic

• Albigenses
• Bogomil, Bogomile

• atchar