Shammaite

noun

Sham·​ma·​ite
ˈshaməˌīt
plural -s
: an adherent of the rigorous and often literal interpretation of the Jewish law taught by Shammai as opposed to the more liberal interpretation of the contemporary Hillelites

Word History

Etymology

Shammai, 1st century b.c. Jewish teacher + English -ite

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Cite this Entry

“Shammaite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shammaite. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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