noun
- plural of energumen; persons believed to be possessed by an evil spirit or demon
Usage: archaic; religious or theological context; often used in historical or biblical discussions
Examples
- In medieval theology, energumens were thought to require exorcism to expel the demons within them.
- The priest documented cases of energumens brought to the monastery seeking spiritual aid.
- Early Christian texts describe energumens as individuals tormented by malevolent supernatural forces.
- Healers in ancient times attempted to treat energumens through prayer and ritual.