[a. F. Baphomet; cf. Pr. Bafomet, OSp. Mafomat.] a. A form of the name Mahomet used by mediæval writers. b. Alleged name of the idol which the Templars were accused of worshipping. (According to l’Abbé Constant, quoted by Littré, this word was cabalistically formed by writing backward tem. o. h. p. ab., abbreviation of templi omnium hominum pacis abbas, ‘abbot’ or ‘father of the temple of peace of all men.’) Hence Baphometic a.
1818. Hallam, Mid. Ages (1872), I. 140. Baphomet is a secret word ascribed to the Templars.
1855. Milman, Lat. Chr., VII. XII. ii. 278. The great stress … in the condemnation of the templars is laid on the worship of Baphomet. The talismans, bowls, symbols, are even called Baphometic.
1831. Carlyle, Sart. Res., II. vii. My Spiritual New-birth, or Baphometic Fire-baptism.
