teraphim

American  

[ter-uh-fim] / ˈtɛr ə fɪm /

plural noun

• teraph
  singular

1. idols or images reverenced by the ancient Hebrews and kindred peoples, apparently as household gods.

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Etymology

Origin of teraphim

1350–1400; < Hebrew tərāphīm; replacing Middle English theraphym < Late Latin theraphim (Vulgate) < Greek theraphín (Septuagint) < Hebrew, as above

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

teraphim teraph

And forgive too,' she breathed, 'that I stole the teraphim.'

From Time Magazine Archive

A return to teraphim, sorcery, divination, etc., is already noticeable in our day.

From Studies in Zechariah by Gaebelein, Arno C.

When Jacob made tracks after sucking his uncle dry, Rachel carried off the poor old fellow's teraphim, and left him without even a god to worship.

From Flowers of Freethought (First Series) by Foote, G. W. (George William)

During their dispersion they will have neither the old worship of Jehovah nor will they hold any longer to the teraphim and ask guidance of them.

From Studies in Zechariah by Gaebelein, Arno C.

And when the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats' hair at the head thereof.

From Heroes of Israel Text of the Hero Stories with Notes and Questions for Young Students by Soares, Theodore Gerald

After all, I liked you from the first moment I saw you, and asked the teraph about you, and I got an answer—such an answer!

From Hypatia — or New Foes with an Old Face by Kingsley, Charles

The teraph told me last night that you would be here....'

From Hypatia — or New Foes with an Old Face by Kingsley, Charles

Stay—I will go and consult the teraph; it may know where he is....'

From Hypatia — or New Foes with an Old Face by Kingsley, Charles