The most powerful or principal devil in a religious or fictional cosmology, often referring to Satan or his chief lieutenant.
From 'arch-' (supreme, chief) and 'devil' (evil spirit), from Greek 'diabolos' (slanderer). This theological term appeared in medieval Christian writing to establish Satan's supreme status among evil beings, contrasting with subordinate demons.
Interestingly, 'archdevil' shows up more in fantasy literature than historical theology—Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost shaped how writers used these hierarchical terms, proving that literary works can actually reshape religious vocabulary.
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