zarathustrianhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zarathustrian_adj%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_useZarathustrian, adj. & n.
Revised 2023

Zarathustrianadjective & noun

  1. adjective
    1. 1.
      1859–
      Of, relating to, or characteristic of Zoroastrianism or its followers; designating a follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism; = Zoroastrian adj. Also: of or relating to the ancient Persian prophet, Zarathustra (also called Zoroaster). Cf. Zarathustric adj.
      Use relating to the prophet individually is often to draw a distinction with Zoroastrian, as applied to the whole religious tradition.
      1. 1859
        We must understand by it the burial of the dead, which notoriously was considered in the Zarathustrian religion as the greatest desecration of holy earth. [No corresponding sentence in German original.]
        C. H. Cottrell, translation of C. C. J. Bunsen, Egypt's Place vol. III. iv. vi. 502
      2. 1891
        The Bundahis is thoroughly Zarathustrian in spirit when it states [etc.].
        T. K. Cheyne, Origin & Religious Contents of Psalter viii. 401
      3. 1903
        Zarathustrian Gâthas in metre and rhythm.
        L. H. Mills (title)
      4. 1969
        Marriage is therefore incumbent upon every Zarathustrian man and woman.
        B. T. Anklesaria, translation of Pahlavi Rivāyat of Āturfarnbag & Farnbag-srōs vol. II. 41
      5. 2015
        It is the problem of reconciling evil and suffering with a benevolent and powerful deity and he connects its solution to three differing conceptions of God: Buddhist, Zarathustrian, and Calvinist.
        Max Weber Studies vol. 15 286
    2. 2.
      1897–
      Characteristic or reminiscent of a Nietzschean superman (superman n. 1); advocating or supporting a Nietzschean view of morality.
      1. 1897
        The virtues and the glorious freedom of this race [sc. the Übermensch]..are illuminated by contrast with what, from the Zarathustrian point of view, are the inherent vices and weaknesses of our present civilisation.
        Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine October 489/1
      2. 1904
        Nietzsche found it convenient to take for granted the ready-made Zarathustrian individual.
        North American Review December 846
      3. 1970
        That he is a spokesman for Zarathustrian ideas has long been recognized.
        American Literature vol. 41 543
      4. 2012
        With self-imposed Zarathustrian indifference.
        Human Studies vol. 35 359
  2. noun
    1. 1871–
      A follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism; = Zoroastrian n.
      1. 1871
        The Wicked Serpent of the Zarathustrians.
        E. B. Tylor, Primitive Culture vol. II. xv. 219
      2. 1915
        The story of the Magi was invented to convert Zarathustrians or Mithraists.
        Monist vol. 25 296
      3. 2001
        The longstanding consensus that Cyrus was a Zarathustrian, or that at the very least Ahura Mazda was his principal deity.
        P. R. Bedford, Temple Restoration in Early Achaemenid Judah iii. 124

Zarathustrian, adj. & n. was revised in March 2023.

Zarathustrian, adj. & n. was last modified in July 2023.