Urim and Thummim

American  

[yoor-im, oor-, thuhm-im, toom-] / ˈyʊər ɪm, ˈʊər-, ˈθʌm ɪm, ˈtʊm- /

plural noun

Judaism.

1. objects, possibly made of metal or precious stones and inscribed with symbols, worn in the breastplate of the high priest and used, perhaps like lots, to determine God's response to a question answerable by “yes” or “no.” Exodus 28:30.

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Urim and Thummim British  

/ ˈθʌmɪm, ˈjʊərɪm /

noun

1. Old Testament two objects probably used as oracles and carried in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:30)

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Etymology

Origin of Urim and Thummim

First recorded in 1530–40; partial translation of Hebrew ūrīm wəthummīm, of very uncertain meaning, possibly, “lights and integrity” or “lights and perfections,” equivalent to ūrīm, intensive plural of ūr “a light,” wə- “and,” and tummīm, plural of tōm “truth, perfection”

Example Sentences

With them would be found a code key, or Urim and Thummim.

From Time Magazine Archive

“They’re called Urim and Thummim, and they can help you to read the omens.”

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

He held Urim and Thummim in his hand; because of those two stones, he was once again on the way to his treasure.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

He knelt down to find Urim and Thummim and put them back in the pouch.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

The boy took out Urim and Thummim from his bag.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho