Shibboleth



GRE

解释

GRE 红宝书

• n.陈旧语句; 习俗
• ［英］ n.陈旧语句 ( truism, platitude)
• ［记］ 此词源自《圣经》, 用于区别逃亡的以法莲人, 若不会发音, 而读作siboleth, 必是以法莲人, 即被拿住杀死

Webster Collegiate

noun

• Etymology: Hebrew shibbōleth stream; from the use of this word in Judges 12:6 as a test to distinguish Gileadites from Ephraimites
• Date: 1638
• 1.
  • a. a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning <the old shibboleths come rolling off their lips — Joseph Epstein>
  • b. a widely held belief <today this book publishing shibboleth is a myth — L. A. Wood>
  • c. truism, platitude <some truth in the shibboleth that crime does not pay — Lee Rogow>
• 2.
  • a. a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular group <accent was…a shibboleth of social class — Vivian Ducat>
  • b. a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from others <for most of the well-to-do in the town, dinner was a shibboleth, its hour dividing mankind — Osbert Sitwell>

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