golem
[goh-luh m, -lem]
- Jewish Folklore. a figure artificially constructed in the form of a human being and endowed with life.
- a stupid and clumsy person; blockhead.
- an automaton.
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Origin of golem
1895–1900; (< Yiddish goylem) < Hebrew gōlem embryo, larva, cocoon
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for golem
Contemporary Examples
Over the next decade, the Golem appeared in at least one poem, an opera, and a German film.
Due to rising global anti-Semitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Golem had resurfaced in popular Jewish culture.
Historical Examples
"Perhaps I'd better call the headwaiter, sir," the golem said stiffly.
It Could Be AnythingJohn Keith Laumer
"I knew you were a man as soon as I saw you talking to the golem," said the red-head.
It Could Be AnythingJohn Keith Laumer
His chest was heaving from his tantrum, but the presence of the golem calmed him.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves TownCory Doctorow
The golem had dragged itself into this corner and had fallen to mud.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves TownCory Doctorow
Slowly, gratingly, the golem turned and lumbered out of the cave, clumsy and ponderous.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves TownCory Doctorow
golem
- (in Jewish legend) an artificially created human being brought to life by supernatural means
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Word Origin
from Yiddish goylem, from Hebrew gōlem formless thing
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for golem
n.
"artificial man, automaton," 1897, from Hebrew golem [Psalm cxxxix:16] "shapeless mass, embryo," from galam "he wrapped up, folded."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper