Member of a religious sect in southern France during the Middle Ages.

Member of a sect in medieval Europe usually numbered among the Christian heretics. Influenced by Manichaeism, they started about the 10th century in the Balkans where they were called “Bogomils”, spread to SW Europe where they were often identified with the Albigenses, and by the middle of the 14th century had been destroyed or driven underground by the Inquisition.
The Cathars believed that this world is under the domination of Satan, and men and women are the terrestrial embodiment of spirits who were inspired by him to revolt and were driven out of heaven. At death, the soul will be reincarnated (whether in human or animal form) unless it has been united through the Cathar faith with Christ.