-agoguecomb. form

Etymology: In sense 1 < French -agogue (in e.g. phlegmagogue phlegmagogue n.) < post-classical Latin -agogum (in e.g. phlegmagogum ) < Hellenistic Greek -αγωγόν in formations (e.g. χολαγωγόν cholagogue n.) which show use as noun (short for phrases in -αγωγόν ϕάρμακον ) of the neuter of adjectives in ancient Greek -αγωγός (see below). In sense 2 < French -agogue (in e.g.pédagogue pedagogue n.) < classical Latin -agōgus (in e.g.paedagōgus ) < ancient Greek -αγωγός (in e.g.παιδαγωγός ), combining form of ἀγωγός leading (see agogic adj.¹).First recorded in borrowings and adaptations of words ultimately of Greek origin, usually via French and/or Latin, e.g. (in sense 1) phlegmagogue n., cholagogue n., hydragogue n., and (in sense 2) pedagogue n., archisynagogue n., mystagogue n., demagogue n., xenagogue n. Formations within English are relatively rare, but are found from at least the 18th cent., e.g. ptysmagogue n. In sense 2 compare plutogogue n.