Shibboleth
Definition
A custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Biblical Hebrew שִׁבֹּלֶת / שיבולת (šibbṓleṯ, “ear [of wheat] or stream, torrent”). Doublet of sebboleth and Middle English sebolech, both from Late Latin sebboleth in the Vulgate.
Synonyms
motto, slogan, catchword
In a sentence
- "We're data-driven" had become a shibboleth — recited but not practiced.
Tags
Source
Notes/vocab.csv