abraxas

1 definition found

abraxas - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Abraxas \A*brax"as\, n. [A name adopted by the Egyptian Gnostic
     Basilides, containing the Greek letters [alpha], [beta],
     [rho], [alpha], [xi], [alpha], [sigma], which, as numerals,
     amounted to 365. It was used to signify the supreme deity as
     ruler of the 365 heavens of his system.]
     A mystical word used as a charm and engraved on gems among
     the ancients; also, a gem stone thus engraved.
     [1913 Webster]