Verb
Literally, those who are enlightened
Persons in the early church who had received baptism; in which ceremony a lighted taper was given them, as a symbol of the spiritual illumination they has received by that sacrament.
Members of a sect which sprung up in Spain about the year 1575. Their principal doctrine was, that, by means of prayer, they had attained to so perfect a state as to have no need of ordinances, sacraments, good works, etc.; -- called also Alumbrados, Perfectibilists, etc.
Members of certain associations in Modern Europe, who combined to promote social reforms, by which they expected to raise men and society to perfection, esp. of one originated in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, professor of canon law at Ingolstadt, which spread rapidly for a time, but ceased after a few years.
An obscure sect of French Familists;
The Hesychasts, Mystics, and Quietists;
The Rosicrucians.
Any persons who profess special spiritual or intellectual enlightenment.
Source: Webster's dictionaryI am proud to be known to the world as the founder of the Illuminati. Adam Weishaupt
It's amazing how everything fits together in the world of the Illuminati if you are prepared to dig deep enough. David Icke
G is Grace, the Flaming Star is the Torch of Reason. Those who possess this knowledge are indeed Illuminati. Adam Weishaupt
There were people who said the Society of Cincinnati in the American revolution, of which George Washington was one of the shining lights, was a branch of the Illuminati. Carroll Quigley
The fact is, I preside over none, nor have I been in one more than once or twice, within the last thirty years. I believe notwithstandings, that none of the Lodges in this Country are contaminated with the principles ascribed to the Society of the Illuminati. George Washington
The Illuminati is just the evil, 'nameless' people who are behind governments. Chuck D