joss

¹

[jos]

noun

1. a Chinese house idol or cult image.

joss

²

[jos]

noun

British, Australian Informal.

1. a foreman or boss.

joss

/ dʒɒs /

noun

1. a Chinese deity worshipped in the form of an idol

Word History and Origins

Origin of joss¹

1705–15; < Chinese Pidgin English < Portuguese deos < Latin deus god

Origin of joss²

First recorded in 1855–60; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of joss¹

C18: from pidgin English, from Portuguese deos god, from Latin deus