— Manicheanism, Manicheism , n.
/man'i kee"euhn/ , n.
1. Also, Manichee /man"i kee'/ . an adherent of the dualistic religious system of Manes, a combination of Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and various other elements, with a basic doctrine of a conflict between light and dark, matter being regarded as dark and evil.
adj.
2. of or pertaining to the Manicheans or their doctrines.
Also, Manichaean .
[ 1300-50; ME Maniche ( Manichaeus Manichaîos of Manes) + -AN ]