teraphim

[ ter-uh-fim ]

plural noun

, singular ter·aph [ter, -, uh, f].

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of teraphim¹

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

Example Sentences

He also used images (teraphim) which he consulted and looked into the liver.

From Project Gutenberg

For the sin of witchcraft comes from rebellion, and the iniquity of Teraphim from stubbornness.

From Project Gutenberg

The teraphim were certainly images of family gods, and, as such, in all probability represented deceased ancestors.

From Project Gutenberg

Teraphim are household idols that may have been associated with inheritance rights to the household property.

From Project Gutenberg

In the back to one side, the teraphim, or image of divination; on the other side a stairway mounts to the roof.

From Project Gutenberg