balabos

noun

bal·​a·​bos
variants or balebos
ˌbäləˈbȯs
or baal-ha-bos
ˌbäl(h)äˈ-
plural balabatim or baal-ha-batim
-ˈbätə̇m,
-ˌtēm
: a Jewish master of the house : a Jewish house owner or host

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish balebos, from Hebrew baʽal habbayith, literally, lord of the house

First Known Use

circa 1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balabos was circa 1918

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Cite this Entry

“Balabos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balabos. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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