Augustine

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A respected figure in Christian theology known for his influential writings and doctrines during the late Roman Empire
2. An early Church Father and philosopher whose ideas shaped the development of Western Christianity and philosophy
3. A prominent theologian recognized for his contributions to the understanding of issues such as original sin and grace in Christian teachings

Etymology: Augustine is a name before it is a word for a theologian. The Latin "Augustus" was the title Octavian took in 27 BC, meaning "the revered one" or "majestic," and it was later borne by emperors and by ordinary Romans who wanted to share in that dignity. "Augustinus" is a diminutive-style derivative of it, a personal name that passed through the Roman world and into Christian usage. The English word named for the most famous bearer of that name, Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430), the North African bishop whose writings on grace, sin and the City of God became foundational for Western theology and philosophy. Through French "Augustine" and the Latin feminine "Augustina," the name spread across Europe, and it is the source of the English forms "Austin" and "Augustin."