FAMILIAR (through the Fr. familier, from

See also:

• LAT

Lat. familiaris, of or belonging to the familia,

See also:

• FAMILY

family)  , an adjective, properly meaning belonging to the family or household, but in this sense the word is rare . The more usual meanings are: friendly, intimate, well known; and from its application to the easy relationsof intimate friends the term may be used in an invidious sense of "free and easy " conduct on the part of any one not justified by any close relationship, friendship or intimacy . FAMILY " Familiar" is, however, also used as a substantive, especially of the spirit or demon which attended on a wizard or magician, and was summoned to execute his master's wishes . The idea underlies the notion of the Christian guardian angel and of the Roman genius natalis (see DEMONOLOGY; WITCHCRAFT) . In the Roman Church the term is applied to persons attached to the household of the pope or of bishops . These must actually do some domestic service . They are supported by their patron, and enjoy privileges which in the case of the papal familiars are considerable . " Familiars of the Holy Office " were lay officers of the Inquisition, whose functions were chiefly those of police, in making arrests, &c., of persons charged .