A follower or devotee of Bacchus (Dionysus), especially a female follower or bacchante in ancient mythology and rituals.
From Latin Bassarides, derived from Greek, possibly from Thracian origins referring to women followers of Dionysus. The term entered English through classical literature and mythology.
Bassarids in ancient Greek drama were often portrayed as wild and dangerous, but they represented real religious ecstasy practices—ancient spirituality was far more intense and physical than we often imagine.
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