Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online

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Saint
(3,342 words)

1. Concept

Although no universally agreed definition yet exists in the study of religion, it can be stated in general terms that “saint” (German Heilige[r]) is a term applied to a person who is perfect in religious and ethical respects, and who leads or led an ideal and exemplary life.

2. Christianity

2.1. Ancient and medieval origins

“Saint” derives via the French saint from the Latin sanctus, meaning “holy” or “consecrated,” “sanctity” being an exclusive quality of God or the divine, in which object…

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Wriedt, Markus, Galley, Susanne and Loimeier, Roman, “Saint”, in: Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online, Editors of the English edition: Graeme Dunphy, Andrew Gow. Original German Edition: Enzyklopädie der Neuzeit. Im Auftrag des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts (Essen) und in Verbindung mit den Fachherausgebern herausgegeben von Friedrich Jaeger. Copyright © J.B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung und Carl Ernst Poeschel Verlag GmbH 2005–2012. Consulted online on 30 May 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2352-0272_emho_COM_020785>
First published online: 2015
First print edition: 20210601



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