_Baphomet_ (bae.f*o*met).  {a. F. *Baphomet*; cf. Pr. *Bafomet*,
OSp. *Mafomat*.}  _a._ A form of the name Mahomet used by mediaeval
writers.  _b._ Alleged name of the idol which the Templars were
accused of worshipping.  (According to l'Abbe' Constant, quoted
by Littre', this word was cabalistically formed by writing backward
*tem. o. h. p. ab.*, abbreviation of *templi omnium hominum pacis
abbas*, 'abbot' or 'father of the temple of peace of all men.')
Hence Baphomet'ic *a*.

_1818_ Hallam *Mid. Ages* (1872) _I._ 140 Baphomet is a secret word
ascribed to the Templars.  _1855_ Milman *Lat. Chr.* _VII._ xii. ii.
278 The great stress .. in the condemnation of the templars is laid
on the worship of Baphomet.  The talismans, bowls, symbols, are even
called Baphometic.  _1831_ Carlyle *Sart. Res.* II. vii, My Spiritual
New-birth, or Baphometic Fire-baptism.

_Oxford English Dictionary_, some edition, p. 659.
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