taurobolium

noun

tau·​ro·​bo·​li·​um

ˌtȯrəˈbōlēəm

variants or less commonly tauroboly

tȯˈräbəlē

plural taurobolia

-ˈbōlēə

also taurobolies

: a ceremony in the cult of certain Mediterranean deities (as Cybele and Mithras) in which worshipers were baptized with the blood of a sacrificed bull compare criobolium

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin taurobolium, from Greek taurobolion, from tauros bull + -bolion (from ballein to throw)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now