mark of the beast

American  

noun

1. (in the Bible) a physical mark placed on those who worship the Antichrist and are in opposition to God.

2. something taken to be a sign of evil, corruption, or infamy.

   The way he talks about the uselessness of politics, you'd think that voting in a national election was the mark of the beast.

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Etymology

Origin of mark of the beast

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English

Example Sentences

"Surely not, please your Majesty," said Heriot; "I were not wise to bring any thing to your presence that had the mark of the beast."

From The Fortunes of Nigel by Scott, Walter, Sir

Freud says that about every dream is the mark of the beast, but then I think he believes in original sin.

From A Dominie in Doubt by Neill, Alexander Sutherland

It occurs nine times in the New Testament, and with the single exception of Acts 17:29, refers every time to the mark of the beast.

From The United States in the Light of Prophecy by Smith, Uriah

Truth causes sin to betray itself, and sets upon 542:9 error the mark of the beast.

From Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Eddy, Mary Baker

In the last age, Lord Chesterfield set the mark of the beast, as he called it, on certain vulgarisms in pronunciation, which he succeeded in banishing from good company.

From Tales and Novels — Volume 09 by Edgeworth, Maria