teraphim

[ter-uh-fim]

plural noun, singular ter·aph

[ter-uh f] /ˈtɛr əf/.

idols or images reverenced by the ancient Hebrews and kindred peoples, apparently as household gods.

Origin of teraphim

1350–1400; < Hebrew tərāphīm; replacing Middle English theraphym < Late Latin theraphim (Vulgate) < Greek theraphín (Septuagint) < Hebrew, as above

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Examples from the Web for teraph

Historical Examples

You, too, will be able to guess some day, without the teraph's help.
Hypatia
Charles Kingsley
After all, I liked you from the first moment I saw you, and asked the teraph about you, and I got an answer—such an answer!
Hypatia
Charles Kingsley

British Dictionary definitions for teraph

teraph

noun plural -aphim (-əfɪm)

Old Testament any of various small household gods or images venerated by ancient Semitic peoples. (Genesis 31:19–21; I Samuel 19:13–16)

Word Origin

C14: from Hebrew, of uncertain origin

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