1. chief magistrates in ancient Athens and other Greek city-states
Usage: historical
2. in Gnostic belief, powerful spiritual beings that rule over the material world
Usage: religious; Gnosticism

Examples

• The nine archons governed different aspects of Athenian civic life.
• Ancient Greek archons were elected annually to serve the city-state.
• The eponymous archon gave his name to the year in Athens.
• Gnostic texts describe archons as obstacles to spiritual enlightenment.
• The archons were responsible for religious festivals and legal matters.
• In some traditions, archons are seen as cosmic forces controlling destiny.