Nazarite

Or Naz·i·rite

[naz-uh-rahyt]

noun

1. (among the ancient Hebrews) a person who had taken certain strict religious vows, usually for a limited period.

2. Rare.,  a Nazarene.

3. Rare.,  Christ.

4. Obsolete.,  a Christian.

Nazarite

¹

/ ˈnæzəˌraɪt /

noun

1. another word for Nazarene Nazarene

Nazarite

²

/ ˈnæzəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a religious ascetic of ancient Israel

Other Word Forms

• Nazaritic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nazarite¹

1550–60; < Late Latin Nāzar ( aeus ) (< Greek Nāzēraîos, equivalent to nāzēr (< Hebrew nāzīr consecrated person) + -aios suffix) + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nazarite¹

C16: from Latin Nazaraeus, from Hebrew nāzīr, from nāzar to consecrate + _-ite ¹

Example Sentences

Damon Landor, the petitioner, wore long dreadlocks for almost 20 years as an expression of his beliefs as a Rastafarian – part of a biblical practice known as the “Nazarite vow.”

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He explained that the Bible says that while someone is observing the Nazarite vow, "no razor may be used on their head."

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Translations from Hebrew and Christian scriptures tell the story of Samson, a Nazarite and judge, whose locked hair was the source of his strength, and which was famously cut with dire consequences.

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He would be specially dedicated as a Nazarite to God’s service.

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This Nazarite child is accepted for the perpetual service of God at once and without remark.

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