archon

[ ahr-kon ]

noun

1. a higher magistrate in ancient Athens.
2. any ruler.

archon

/ ˈɑːkɒn; -kən /

noun

1. (in ancient Athens) one of the nine chief magistrates

Derived Forms

• ˈarchonˌship, noun

Other Words From

• archon·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of archon¹

1650–60; < Greek árchōn magistrate, ruler, noun use of present participle of árchein to be first, rule; archi-

Word History and Origins

Origin of archon¹

C17: from Greek arkhōn ruler, from arkhein to rule

Example Sentences

A teacher of philosophy during his early manhood, he spent his last years as archon and priest of Apollo in his native town.

From Project Gutenberg

Archon, rk′on, n. one of nine chief magistrates of ancient Athens.

From Project Gutenberg

Its meetings were held in the open air, and its members were selected from those who had held the office of archon.

From Project Gutenberg

At Athens the chief archon of the year was known as the ἄρχων ἐπώνυμος, as the year was known by his name.

From Project Gutenberg

Attica at first was divided into separate and independent hamlets: each of which had its own Prutaneion, and Archon.

From Project Gutenberg