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Archdruid

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Archelais

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was the chief of the Order of Druids (q.v.). The order in every nation, where their religion prevailed, had a chief priest, or Archdruid, who possessed absolute authority over the rest. ' here were two in Britain, residing in the islands of Anglesey and Man. The Druids rose to their principal dignity through six different gradations, distinguished by their costumes, of which the Archdruids constituted the sixth or highest. They were completely covered by a long mantle and flowing robes, wearing an oaken crown, and carrying a sceptre. On the occasion of the famous ceremony of cutting the mistletoe, it was the office of this functionary to climb the oak and cut the mistletoe with a golden sickle.