Episcotister is not a commonly used word, and its spelling is quite peculiar. The word is spelled e-p-i-s-c-o-t-i-s-t-e-r. The pronunciation of the word is [ɪˈpɪskəʊtɪstə]. The initial "e" is pronounced as in "elephant," while the "sc" in the middle is pronounced as a "sk" sound. The final syllable "-ster" is pronounced as it appears. The word itself refers to a device for controlling the brightness of a source of light, typically used in movie projectors.
The term "episcotister" is a neologism coined by writer and philosopher James Branch Cabell in his fantasy novel, "Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice," published in 1919. This word is peculiar to Cabell's fictional universe and does not have a commonly accepted definition in mainstream dictionaries.
In the context of Cabell's works, an episcotister is depicted as a device employed by the chief deities to shield humans from perceiving the nuances and complexities of the world around them. It acts as a veil or filter, allowing only a limited understanding of reality to be perceived by mortals. Essentially, it is a metaphorical device used to explore the human condition and the limitations of human perception.
The concept of an episcotister highlights Cabell's philosophical belief that humans are inherently limited in their comprehension of the world. It suggests that there are hidden layers and truths beyond our grasp, and that our perception of reality is incomplete.
While not formally recognized as a word in conventional dictionaries, "episcotister" remains significant within the realm of literature and philosophy, particularly in the context of Cabell's works. It represents an artistic expression that challenges the boundaries of human understanding and encourages readers to question the nature of reality and their place within it.