spondist

English

Etymology

Calque of Egyptian sqbb (“libator”), participle of sqbb (“to cool, to libate with water”), by way of Ancient Greek σπονδή (spondḗ, “libation”) suffixed with -ist.

Noun

spondist (plural spondists)

1. (archaic, Egyptology) An Ancient Egyptian priest responsible for pouring libations of water.
   • 1855, Dunbar Isidore Heath, The Exodus Papyri, London : J.W. Parker, page 175:

     Spondists in the temple of Nebt-Hotep;

   • 1867, Egypt's Place in Universal History: an Historical Investigation in Five Books Christian C. J. Bunsen: Vol. 5, page 162:

     I am the priest in Tattuo, the spondist of Abydos, growing tall among the tall. I am the priest in Abydos, the day of calling the world. I see the hidden places of the Rusta. I am the maker of the Festivals of the Spirit Lord of Tattu.

   • 1876, William Ricketts Cooper, An Archaic Dictionary: Biographical, Historical, and Mythological: From the Egyptian, Assyrian, and Etruscan Monuments and Papyri, page 177:

     DSJOT-MEN. A spondist of the temple of Amen. Period uncertain. DSJOT-MONTH. A spondist of Amen, and prophet and overseer of the sacred scribes of the god. Period uncertain.

   • 1880, The Hibbert Lectures, page 137:

     "you who are in the service of Osiris or of Anubis," "priest, prophet, scribe, spondist, ministrant, male or female, every man and every woman passing by this tomb, statue, tablet or shrine, whether you be passing northwards or southwards as you desire to enjoy the favour of the king […] "