ˈkaˌthär noun
( plural cath·a·ri -_thəˌrī, -ē ; or cath·ars -ˌthärz)
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Late Latin catharus, from Late Greek katharos, from Greek, adjective, pure
: a member of any of various widely distributed sects found in medieval Europe ; specifically : a member of a sect that interpreted Christianity from a dualistic Manichaean point of view and that practiced rigorous asceticism