(n) a religion founded by Manes in the third century; a synthesis of Zoroastrian dualism between light and dark and Babylonian folklore and Buddhist ethics and superficial elements of Christianity; spread widely in the Roman Empire but had largely died out by 1000, Syn. Manichaeanism
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ , n. [ LL. Manichaeus: cf. F. manichéen. ] A believer in the doctrines of Manes, a Persian of the third century A. D., who taught a dualism in which Light is regarded as the source of Good, and Darkness as the source of Evil. [ 1913 Webster ]
The Manichaeans stand as representatives of dualism pushed to its utmost development. Tylor. [ 1913 Webster ]