ophiolatry en · NOUN
Etymology
From ophio- + -latry, from Ancient Greek ὄφις (óphis, “snake”) and λατρεία (latreía, “worship”).
Meanings
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(uncountable) snake worship
The serpent depicted on one of the food vessels is so close in its symbolism to this mythic being of Tusayan folklore that it is probable ophiolatry of a kindred sort was practiced in the ancient pueblo of Sikyatki where it was found.
1896, Smithsonian Institution, Annual Report of the Board of Regents: