hierodules
/ˈhaɪərəˌdjuːlz/
noun
- In ancient times, slaves or servants who worked in a temple and were considered the property of a god or goddess.
- The hierodules swept the temple floors and prepared offerings for the priests.
- In some ancient cultures, hierodules were dedicated to the service of a particular deity from childhood.
- Historians study the lives of hierodules to understand the role of religion in ancient economies.