kapparah

noun

kap·​pa·​rah

ˌkäpäˈrä,

käˈpȯrə

plural kapparoth or kapparot

ˌkäpäˈrōt(h),

käˈpȯrəs

1

: a symbolic ceremony practiced by some Orthodox Jews on the eve of Yom Kippur in which typically a cock, hen, or coin is swung around the head and offered in atonement or as ransom for one's sins

2

: sacrifice

specifically : something used as a symbolic sacrifice in the kapparah ceremony

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew, literally, atonement

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!