Hasmonean

American  

[haz-muh-nee-uhn] / ˌhæz məˈni ən /

Also Hasmonaean

noun

1. a member of a priestly family of Jewish rulers and leaders in Judea in the 1st and 2nd centuries b.c.

---

Etymology

Origin of Hasmonean

First recorded in 1610–20; variant (with h-, from Hebrew kh- ) of Asmonean, from Late Latin Asmōnae(us) of Hasmōn (from Greek Asmṓnaios ) + -an

Example Sentences

In another, a young girl descended from the Hasmonean line jumps from a roof rather than marry King Herod, described as an illegitimate heir to the dynasty.

From Slate • Dec. 10, 2023

Unless you’re familiar with Seleucids, the Hasmonean dynasty, Essenes, Idumea, Antipater and the multiple kings named Antiochus, you may find the first couple of chapters tough-going.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 26, 2014

The Hasmonean state, originally a bulwark against Greek dominance, eventually declined into a petty Hellenist tyranny barely distinguishable from other military-political entities in the Middle East at the time.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2013

The Jews revolted, led by Mattathias, an elder in the Hasmonean family of priests, and his sons, the eldest of whom was Judah the Maccabee.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2013

It bears a great resemblance to the Judaism of the Hasmonean dynasty, a national cult with a priest-sovereign at its head.

From Introduction to the History of Religions Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV by Jastrow, Morris