I. adjective
or man·i·che·an |manə|kēən
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Late Latin Manichaeus member of the Manichean sect (from Late Greek Manichaios, from Manichaios Manes died ab 276A.D. Persian sage who founded the sect) + English -an
1. : of or relating to Manichaeism or the Manichaeans
the Manichaean debt to Zoroastrianism
2. : characterized by or reflecting belief in Manichaeism
Manichaean influences in Augustinian doctrines
anti-Semitism of the current type … is a complete and irrational philosophy of life based on a Manichaean conception of the world — Times Literary Supplement
II. noun
or manichean “ ; or man·i·chee ˈmanəˌkē
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
1. : a member of the religious sect adhering to Manichaeism
2. : a believer in religious or philosophical dualism