spiritus rector

== English == === Etymology === Unadapted borrowing from Latin spīritus rector (literally “guiding spirit”), an alchemical term. First attested in 1729 in the writings of E. Strother. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˌspɪrᵻtᵿs ˈrɛktɔː/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˌspɪrᵻdəs ˈrɛktɔr/ === Noun === spiritus rector (plural spiritus rectores) A ruling or guiding spirit. ==== Further reading ==== “spiritus rector, n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.