faustian








adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Faust: a Faustian novel.
  2. sacrificing spiritual values for power, knowledge, or material gain: a Faustian pact with the Devil.
  3. characterized by spiritual dissatisfaction or torment.
  4. possessed with a hunger for knowledge or mastery.

adjective

  1. of or relating to Faust, esp reminiscent of his bargain with the devil

1876, in reference to Johann Faust (c.1485-1541), German wandering astrologer and wizard, who was reputed to have sold his soul to the Devil. Fantastic tales of his life were told as early as the late 16c., and he was the hero of dramas by Marlowe and Goethe. The Latinized form of his name, faustus, means “of favorable omen.”

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