Definition of "daimon" [daimon]

• Greek Mythology An inferior deity, such as a deified hero. (noun)
• Greek Mythology An attendant spirit; a genius. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "[1775] The word daimon means in Greek a god, but the Christians used the word to signify an evil spirit."
• ""Satan," in Greek "daimon" because he is a spiritual being possessed of extraordinary powers, also "diabolos," because he is a calumniator who accuses those whom he has deceived with false sin, the being whom Augustine said possesses intelligent reasons for what he urges others to do."
• "Milton's admirable economy in working this truth into his great poem (i. 378) affords a sublime exposition of the mind of the Fathers on the origin of mythologies.] [1774] The word daimon means in Greek a god, but the Christians used the word to signify an evil spirit."