Magi

[mey-jahy] /ˈmeɪ dʒaɪ/
plural noun, singular Magus
[mey-guh s] /ˈmeɪ gəs/ (Show IPA)
1.
(sometimes lowercase) the wise men, generally assumed to be three in number, who paid homage to the infant Jesus. Matt. 2:1–12.
Compare Balthazar (def 1), Caspar (def 1), Melchior (def 1).
2.
(sometimes lowercase) the class of Zoroastrian priests in ancient Media and Persia, reputed to possess supernatural powers.
3.
(lowercase) astrologers.
Origin
see Magus
Related forms
Magian
[mey-jee-uh n] /ˈmeɪ dʒi ən/ (Show IPA), adjective

Magus

[mey-guh s] /ˈmeɪ gəs/
noun, plural Magi
[mey-jahy] /ˈmeɪ dʒaɪ/ (Show IPA)
1.
(sometimes lowercase) one of the Magi.
2.
(lowercase) a magician, sorcerer, or astrologer.
3.
(sometimes lowercase) a Zoroastrian priest.
Compare Magi (def 2).
Origin
1615-25; < Latin < Greek mágos < Old Persian maguŝ; compare Avestan moγu
British Dictionary definitions for Magi

magi

/ˈmeɪdʒaɪ/
plural noun (sing) magus (ˈmeɪɡəs)
1.
the Zoroastrian priests of the ancient Medes and Persians
2.
the three magi, the wise men from the East who came to do homage to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:1–12) and traditionally called Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar
Derived Forms
magian (ˈmeɪdʒɪən) adjective

magus

/ˈmeɪɡəs/
noun (pl) magi (ˈmeɪdʒaɪ)
1.
a Zoroastrian priest
2.
an astrologer, sorcerer, or magician of ancient times
Word Origin
C14: from Latin, from Greek magos, from Old Persian magus magician

Magus

/ˈmeɪɡəs/
noun
1.
(New Testament) Simon Magus, a sorcerer who tried to buy spiritual powers from the apostles (Acts 8:9-24)
Word Origin and History for Magi

magi

n.

c.1200, "skilled magicians, astrologers," from Latin magi, plural of magus "magician, learned magician," from Greek magos, a word used for the Persian learned and priestly class as portrayed in the Bible (said by ancient historians to have been originally the name of a Median tribe), from Old Persian magush "magician" (see magic). Related: Magian.

Magus

n.

member of the ancient Persian priestly caste, late 14c., singular of magi (q.v.).

Magi in Culture
Magi [(may-jeye)]

The sages who visited Jesus soon after his birth. (See Wise Men.)