rishis

Noun

rishi (plural rishis)

1. A Vedic poet and seer who composed Rigvedic hymns, who alone or with others invokes the deities with poetry of a sacred character.
   • The rishi asked one unfathomable question after another, until both he and his audience were reduced to the silence of unknowing.2006, Karen Armstrong, The Great Transformation, Atlantic Books, published 2007, page 25
2. A Hindu sage or saint occupying the same position in India's history as the patriarchs of other countries, constituting a peculiar class of beings in the early mythical system, as distinct from Asuras, Devas and mortal men.
   • In the beginning Max had no idea she was even a film actress, this girl with the skin the colour of scorched earth, the well-concealed body and the demure manner of a disciple walking in the footsteps of a great rishi.2005, Salman Rushdie, Shalimar the Clown, Vintage, published 2006, page 25

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