[ad. Gr. ἐξηγητής an expounder, interpreter, f. ἐξηγέεσθαι (see EXEGESIS): cf. F. exégète.] An expounder, interpreter.
1. Greek Antiq. At Athens, one of those three members of the Eumolpidæ, whose province it was to interpret the religious and ceremonial law, the signs in the heavens, and oracles.
1730–6. in Bailey (folio), Exegetes, persons among the Athenians learned in the laws of the juris consulti; whom the judges used to consult in capital cases.
1869. A. W. Ward, trans. Curtius’ Greece, II. II. iv. 19. Apollo himself was the supreme Exegete, the ultimate source of legality.
2. One who explains or interprets difficult passages; one skilled in exegesis; an expounder.
1859. Ellicott, Comm. Gal., Pref. (ed. 2), 25. For the former [Chrysostom] … as an exegete, I entertain the greatest respect.
1872. Contemp. Rev., XXI. 74. Goodwin, an exegete … hardly second to Chillingworth.
1885. Plumptre, Spir. in Prison, 364. Unrivalled as an exegete of Scripture.
