Collier's New Encyclopedia

A complete general encyclopedia of 1921 — the world as it was understood just after the Great War, from Aachen to Zwingli, across twelve volumes and six thousand pages.

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Druids

the priests of the Celts of Gaul and Britain. According to Julius Cæsar, they possessed the greatest authority among the Celtic nations. They had some knowledge of geometry, natural philosophy, etc., superintended the affairs of religion and morality, and performed the office of judges. They venerated the mistletoe when growing on the oak, a tree which they likewise esteemed sacred. They had a common superior, who was elected by a majority of votes from their own number, and who enjoyed his dignity for life. Of their religious doctrines little is known. Human sacrifice was one of their characteristic rites, the victims being usually prisoners of war.

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