- A word which was made the criterion by which to
distinguish the Ephraimites from the Gileadites. The Ephraimites, not
being able to pronounce sh, called the word sibboleth. See Judges xii. - Also in an extended sense. - Hence, the criterion, test, or watchword of a party; a
party cry or pet phrase.
Shibboleth Shibboleth is a Hebrew word whose pronunciation was used by one of the ancient tribes of Israel as a password and is used now to denote evidence of one's being 'in the know' or
Definition
[ n.]