BAPHOMET  , the imaginary

symbol or idol which the Knights Templars were accused of worshipping in their secret rites . The term is supposed to be a corruption of Mahomet, who in several medieval Latin poems seems to be called by this name . J. von Hammer-Purgstall, in his Mysterium Baphometis relevatum, &c., and Die Schuld der Templer, revived the old charge against the Templars . The word, according to his interpretation, signifies the baptism of Metis, or of fire, and is, therefore, connected with the impurities of the Gnostic Ophites (q.v.) . Additional evidence of this, according to Hammer-Purgstall, is to be found in the architectural decorations of the Templars' churches . An elaborate criticism of Hammer-Purgstall's arguments was made in the Journal des Savans, March and April 1819, by M . Raynouard, a well-known defender of the Templars .