abbetdin

noun

ab·​bet·​din

variants or abbethdin

ˌävˌbātˈdēn

plural -s

often capitalized

in the rabbinical tradition

: the vice-president of the Sanhedrin

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew abh-bēth-dīn, from abh chief (of) + bēth-dīn court of law, from bēth house (of) + dīn judgment

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now