paracleten.

Etymology: < post-classical Latin paracletus (also paraclitus , paraclytus ) advocate, helper, comforter (Vetus Latina, Vulgate) < ancient Greek παράκλητος advocate, intercessor, a person called to one's aid, in Hellenistic Greek also comforter < παρα- para- prefix¹ + κλητός called out, invited ( < the stem of καλεῖν to call (see calends n.) + -τός , suffix forming verbal adjectives), after παρακαλεῖν to call in, call to one's aid. In sense 1, as applied to the Holy Spirit, representing Hellenistic Greek παράκλητος in John 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7; the precise interpretation of the word here is disputed. As applied to Christ, representing Hellenistic Greek παράκλητος ‘advocate’ (1 John 2:1); compare quot. 1659 at sense 1. Compare Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French, French †paraclit (first half of the 13th cent. in Anglo-Norman; 1248 in Old French; subsequently from a1525), Middle French, French paraclet (a1506), Italian paraclito (c1260), paracleto (mid 17th cent. or earlier), Spanish paràclito (14th cent. or earlier), paracleto (1554 or earlier), Portuguese paracleto, †paraclito (16th cent.), Catalan paràclit (1551 or earlier; also as paraclet).Although a passive verbal formation corresponding to classical Latin advocātus advocate n., παράκλητος was at an early date associated by the Greek Fathers with the Hellenistic sense of παρακαλεῖν to console, comfort (Septuagint, New Testament: Matthew), and the active agent noun παρακλήτωρ encourager, comforter (Septuagint: Job); compare the active sense acquired by advocate . In Job 16:2, where the Septuagint has παρακλήτορες κακῶν πάντες ‘miserable comforters are ye all’ (King James Bible, 1611), Aquila and Theodotion (both 2nd cent. a.d.) have παράκλητοι . For earlier use of post-classical Latin paraclitus , paraclytus in an English context compare the following (in quot. ?a1475 in the vocative case):OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 1st Ser. (Royal) (1997) xxii. 361 Se halga gast..is gehaten on greciscum gereorde paraclitus þæt is froforgast.?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 269 We prey þe, spiritus paraclyte, With þe ffyre of þi love to slake All detraccion.a1500 (?a1400) Stanzaic Life of Christ (Harl. 2250) (1926) 10753 Paraclitus is as mych to say As comfortour..which comfortour he send..the Holy Gost.