among the Greeks, was originally a very reputable title; the parasites being a kind of priests, at least ministers, of the gods, in the same manner as the epulones were at Rome. They took care of the sacred corn, or the corn destined for the service of the temples and the gods, viz. sacrifices, feasts, &c. They had had even the intendance over sacrifices; and took care that they were duly performed. At Athens there was a kind of college of twelve parasites; each people of Attica furnishing one, who was always chosen out of the best families. Polybius adds, that a parasite was also an honourable title among the ancient Gauls, and was given to their poets. But of late it has been made a term of reproach, and used for a flatterer or mean dependent.