pidyon haben

noun

pid·​yon ha·​ben

ˌpidyənhəˈben

plural pidyon habens or pidyon habonin

: a traditional Jewish ceremonial rite observed on the 30th day after the birth of a first-born male child of one not a Cohen or a Levite in which the father symbolically relieves the child of ritual responsibilities by redeeming him from a Cohen for a certain sum

Word History

Etymology

Late Hebrew pidyōn habēn, literally, redemption of the son

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