Urim and Thummim

American  

[yoor-im, oor-, thuhm-im, toom-] / ˈyʊər ɪm, ˈʊər-, ˈθʌm ɪm, ˈtʊm- /

plural noun

Judaism.

1. objects, possibly made of metal or precious stones and inscribed with symbols, worn in the breastplate of the high priest and used, perhaps like lots, to determine God's response to a question answerable by “yes” or “no.” Exodus 28:30.

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Urim and Thummim British  

/ ˈθʌmɪm, ˈjʊərɪm /

noun

1. Old Testament two objects probably used as oracles and carried in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:30)

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Etymology

Origin of Urim and Thummim

First recorded in 1530–40; partial translation of Hebrew ūrīm wəthummīm, of very uncertain meaning, possibly, “lights and integrity” or “lights and perfections,” equivalent to ūrīm, intensive plural of ūr “a light,” wə- “and,” and tummīm, plural of tōm “truth, perfection”

Example Sentences

With them would be found a code key, or Urim and Thummim.

From Time Magazine Archive

Since that morning in the marketplace, he had never again made use of Urim and Thummim, because Egypt was now just as distant a dream for him as was Mecca for the merchant.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

He held Urim and Thummim in his hand; because of those two stones, he was once again on the way to his treasure.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

He placed Urim and Thummim in the chest.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

He told the boy it was no coincidence that he had met him with Urim and Thummim in his hand.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho