1. A spiritual or mystical interpretation of a text, especially Scripture, that reveals a hidden or higher meaning beyond the literal sense.
Usage: theological; literary criticism; often used in medieval biblical exegesis
2. The highest level of allegorical interpretation in medieval hermeneutics, pointing to eternal or divine truths.
Usage: archaic; historical; medieval theology

Examples

• Medieval scholars used anagogy to find spiritual lessons hidden beneath the surface of biblical narratives.
• The anagogy of the text revealed a deeper connection to divine redemption.
• Through anagogy, the journey in the poem was understood as a soul's ascent to heaven.
• Dante's Divine Comedy employs anagogy to guide readers toward understanding eternal truths.
• The priest explained the anagogy of the Exodus story as humanity's liberation from sin.
• Literary critics debated whether the author intended anagogy or merely allegory in the work.