proper noun
Maenădes
Meaning
- the priestesses of Bacchus, Bacchantes
Maenădes, um, f., = Μαινάδες [Gr. μαίνομαι, to be inspired, rave],
I. the priestesses of Bacchus, Bacchantes:
hederigerae, Cat. 63, 23; 69: Threïciae, Ov. F. 4, 458: Ausoniae, the Italian Bacchantes, id. ib. 6, 504.—In sing.: Maenas, ădis, f., a Bacchante, Prop. 3, 6 (4, 7), 14; Sil. 3, 102; Pers. 1, 105.—II. Transf.
A. Maenades Priapi, priestesses or worshippers of Priapus, matrons who made invocations to Priapus in the temples of the Bona Dea, Juv. 6, 315. —
B. In sing.: Maenas, ădis, f., an inspired prophetess; of Cassandra, Prop. 3, 11, 64 (4, 12, 62); Sen. Agam. 718.