𐎶𐎦𐎢𐏁

Generally assumed to be borrowed from Old Median (only found as a title? of persons that are also identified as Mede). Cognate of Avestan 𐬨𐬊𐬖𐬎‎ (moγu) but probably not of Avestan 𐬨𐬀𐬔𐬀‎ (maga) (cognate with Sanskrit मघ (magha, “gift”)). Crucially, Middle Persian mgwpt' (mowbed, “Mazdean priest”) does not descend from Old Persian/Median magu-.

𐎶𐎦𐎢𐏁 (Maguš)

1. The meaning of this term is uncertain. (magūš) It is a hapax legomenon known only from the Behistun inscription where it is used as a title (?) of persons. Sometimes said to be the term for a Zoroastrian priest, or for a magician, or for a sub-tribe of the Medes; these interpretations are formed by Greek Μάγος and μάγος.

• → Ancient Greek: Μάγος (Mágos)

• 𐎶𐎦𐏁 (maguš, “priest”)