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

Since that morning in the marketplace, he had never again made use of Urim and Thummim, because Egypt was now just as distant a dream for him as was Mecca for the merchant.

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

He took Urim and Thummim from his pocket, and began playing with them.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

The boy took out Urim and Thummim from his bag.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho