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.

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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

At the same time, as both ancient and modern rabbis have understood, one cannot write the Maccabees, the military battle, or the Hasmonean dynasty entirely out of the Chanukah story.

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

After years of protracted warfare, the priests established a Hasmonean state that never ceased fighting Jews who disagreed with its rule.

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

Once when the Hasmonean kings were engaged in civil war it happened that Hyrcanus was outside Jerusalem and Aristobulus within.

From Hebraic Literature; Translations from the Talmud, Midrashim and Kabbala by Various