anathema, atis, n., = ἀνάθεμα, a later form of ἀνάθημα, used in mal. part. (eccl. Lat.), pr. an offering not to be redeemed; and of a living thing, to be put to death, doomed; hence, an accursed thing, a curse. Concr., of things: vocavit nomen loci illius Horma, id est anathema, Vulg. Num. 21, 3; ib. Jud. 1, 17; ib. Deut. 13, 16.

— A curse of excommunication, anathema: anathematis injuria, Aug. Ep. 75.

— Meton. (like the Heb. ). The person cursed: nec inferes quippiam ex idolo in domum tuam, ne fias anathema, sicut et illud est, Vulg. Deut. 7, 26.

— The person excommunicated: aliquem anathema dicere, Tert. adv. Haer. 6; Vulg. Rom. 9, 3; ib. 1 Cor. 12, 3; 16, 22; ib. Gal. 1, 8; 1, 9.