Mechitarist
/ˈmɛkɪtɑːrɪst/(also Mekhitarist, Mkhit'arist)
noun
A member of a congregation of Uniate Armenian monks devoted especially to the study and publication of texts in Armenian, founded by Mechitar in 1701.
- Mechitar's original congregation was based in Constantinople, but moved to the island of San Lazzaro, south of Venice, in 1717. In 1773 a group of Mechitarists seceded, settling in Trieste and moving in 1810 to Vienna..
adjective
Of or belonging to the Mechitarists.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The Penny Cyclopaedia. From Italian Mechitarista or its probable etymon post-classical Latin Mechitarista from the name of Mechitar (Armenian Məxitar Comforter), pseudonym of Manuk, Turkish-born Armenian priest, who founded the religious congregation + -ista.