Dru'id, n.

n. [Ir., Gael. draoi, draoidh, druidh, magician, druid; W. derwydd, pl. derwyddon, from dâr, pl. derw, oak, and gwydd, knowledge; Arm. druiz, A-S. dry, Lat. Celt. druides, druidae, pl. The Welsh derivation accords with that of Pliny, who supposes the Druids were so called because they frequented or instructed in the forest, or sacrificed under an oak. But some uncertainty rests on this subject.]

A priest or minister of religion, among the ancient Celtic nations in Gaul, Britain, and Germany. The Druids possessed some knowledge of geometry, natural philosophy, &c., superintended the affairs of religion and morality, and performed the office of judges. They consisted of three classes; the bards, the vates or prophets, and the proper priests.