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Webster 1913 Edition

Shibboleth

Shib′bo-leth

,
Noun.
[Heb.
shibbōleth
an ear of corn, or a stream, a flood.]
1.
A word which was made the criterion by which to distinguish the Ephraimites from the Gileadites. The Ephraimites, not being able to pronounce sh, called the word sibboleth. See
Judges xii.
Without reprieve, adjudged to death,
For want of well pronouncing
shibboleth
.
Milton.
Also used in an extended sense.
The
th
, with its twofold value, is . . . the
shibboleth
of foreigners.
Earle.
2.
Hence, the criterion, test, or watchword of a party; a party cry or pet phrase.

Webster 1828 Edition

Shibboleth

SHIB'BOLETH

,
Noun.
[Heb. an ear of corn, or a stream of water.]
1. A word which was made the criterion by which to distinguish the Ephraimites not being able to pronounce the letter sh, pronounced the word sibboleth. See Judges 12. Hence,
2. The criterion of a party; or that which distinguishes one party from another; and usually some peculiarity in things of little importance.

Definition 2024

shibboleth

shibboleth

English

Wikisource

Noun

shibboleth ‎(plural shibboleths)

  1. A word, especially seen as a test, to distinguish someone as belonging to a particular nation, class, profession etc.
  2. A common or longstanding belief, custom, or catchphrase associated with a particular group, especially one with little current meaning or truth.
    It's about time we abandoned the bourgeois shibboleth that earning money makes you a better person.

Synonyms

Translations

See also

  • Appendix:List of shibboleths

Etymology

From Hebrew שִׁבֹּלֶת / שיבולת ‎(šibbōlet, “ear of wheat”), with reference to Judges 12:5-6: ‘Gilead then cut Ephraim off from the fords of the Jordan, and whenever Ephraimite fugitives said, “Let me cross,” the men of Gilead would ask, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No,” they then said, “Very well, say Shibboleth.” If anyone said “Sibboleth”, but could not pronounce it, they would then seize him and kill him by the fords of the Jordan’ (New Jerusalem Bible).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈʃɪbəlɛθ/

Similar Results