Hierophanta, (from ἱερός holy, and φάντα I appear), in antiquity, a priest among the Athenians.

The hierophant was properly the chief person that officiated in the eleusinia, that great solemnity sacred to Ceres.

This office was first executed by Eumolpus, and continued in his family for 1200 years, though when any person was appointed to this dignity he was required always to live in celibacy.

St Jerome says, that the hierophant extinguished the fire of lust by drinking cicuta or the juice of hemlock, or even by making themselves eunuchs. Apollodorus observes, that it was the hierophanties who instructed persons initiated into their religion in the mysteries and duties thereof, and that it was hence he derived his name: for the same reason he was called prophetes, "the prophet." He had officers under him to do the same thing, or to assist him therein, who Hierophylax were also called *prophete* and *exeges*, i.e., "explainers of divine things."

To the hierophantes it belonged to dress and adorn the statues of the gods, and to bear them in processions and solemn ceremonies.

**Hierophylax**, an officer in the Greek church, who was guardian or keeper of the holy utensils, vestments, &c., answering to our sacrista or vestry-keeper.

**High**, a term of relation, importing one thing's being superior or above another; thus we say, a high mountain, the high court of parliament, high relievo, &c.