nomophylax
1
9.9
- noun
- /nəˈmɒfɪlæks/
- Archaic
- As a nomophylax in the Byzantine Empire, he was responsible for enforcing the church's laws.
Examples
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The nomophylax reviewed the new religious decrees to ensure they complied with existing canon law.
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Regretfully, he decided it was beneath the dignity of the Patriarch's nomophylax.
Fiction book (1997) -
Well, as nomophylax, he'd had that happen to him often enough.
Fiction book (1997) -
Most of the time, being nomophylax was nothing but drudgery.
Fiction book (1997) -
The nomophylax eyed her with respect: no fool here.
Fiction book (1997) -
I am Kassianos, nomophylax to Tarasios.
Fiction book (1997) -
In his role as nomophylax, he interpreted the laws with a focus on justice and fairness.
Synonyms
5
9.9
A top official who commands or manages in ancient institutions
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word nomophylax comes from the Greek parts nomos 'law' and phylax 'guard'. It literally means 'guardian of the law', so a nomophylax was a high official or scholar who explained and enforced rules, especially in the church. You can also see the root nomos in the word autonomy, which means 'self-rule'.