Archsaint

/ˌɑːrkˈseɪnt/ noun

Definition

The most holy, virtuous, or spiritually elevated person; a supreme example of sainthood or moral perfection.

Etymology

From 'arch-' (chief, supreme) + 'saint' (from Latin 'sanctus,' holy). Medieval Christian literature used this to describe pre-eminent holy figures like St. Paul or St. Peter.

Kelly Says

This word flips the 'arch-' prefix from negative to positive—most 'arch-' words describe villains, but archsaint glorifies virtue. It reveals how language naturally creates superlatives, and moral language does this as much as criminal language.

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