One of the so-called philosophers in the first ages of Christianity, who claimed a true philosophical interpretation of the Christian religion. Their system combined Oriental theology and Greek philosophy with the doctrines of Christianity. They held that all natures, intelligible, intellectual, and material, are derived from the Deity by successive emanations, which they called Eons.

Both a specific sect mentioned by heresiologists, and a category for a number of sects that believed "Gnosis" had a salvational purpose.

(1) Of, relating to, or possessing intellectual or spiritual knowledge. (2) Of or relating to Gnosticism; "Gnostic writings". (3) An advocate of gnosticism.

possessing intellectual or esoteric knowledge of spiritual things

Knowing; wise; shrewd.

Of or pertaining to Gnosticism or its adherents; as, the Gnostic heresy.

pertaining to the faculties of perceiving and recognizing

"One who knows", adherent of an ancient Hellenistic way of life teaching transmigration of souls and a struggle between the forces of light and darkness.