All 5 Uses of
mystic
in
The Scarlet Letter
- Certainly there was some deep meaning in it most worthy of interpretation, and which, as it were, streamed forth from the mystic symbol, subtly communicating itself to my sensibilities, but evading the analysis of my mind.†
p. 31.3
- A mystic shadow of suspicion immediately attached itself to the spot.†
p. 76.1 *
- Again a mystic sisterhood would contumaciously assert itself, as she met the sanctified frown of some matron, who, according to the rumour of all tongues, had kept cold snow within her bosom throughout life.†
p. 81.4
- The mystic token alighted on the hither verge of the stream.†
p. 189.1
- At that distance they accordingly stood, fixed there by the centrifugal force of the repugnance which the mystic symbol inspired.†
p. 229.4
Definition:
a person who seeks or claims to have direct spiritual insight beyond ordinary understanding; or an experience that feels deeply spiritual, mysterious, or otherworldly
In common usage, mystic is more likely to be used in reference to a practitioner of a less mainstream religion than a more mainstream religion -- possibly because the former is more mysterious to the writer.