Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Hierophant \Hi*er"o*phant\ (h[-i]*[e^]r"[-o]*fant or
   h[imac]"[~e]r; 277), n. [L. hierophanta, hierophantes, Gr.
   "ierofa`nths; "iero`s sacred + fai`nein to show, make known:
   cf. F. hi['e]rophante.]
   The presiding priest who initiated candidates at the
   Eleusinian mysteries; hence, one who teaches the mysteries
   and duties of religion. --Abp Potter.