Main Entry: shib·bo·leth

Pronunciation: \ˈshi-bə-ləth also -ˌleth\

Function: noun

Etymology: Hebrew shibbōleth stream; from the use of this word in Judg 12:6 as a test to distinguish Gileadites from Ephraimites

Date: 1638

1 a : a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning <the old shibboleths come rolling off their lips — Joseph Epstein> b : a widely held belief <today this book publishing shibboleth is a myth — L. A. Wood> c : truism, platitude <some truth in the shibboleth that crime does not pay — Lee Rogow>
2 a : a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular group <accent was…a shibboleth of social class — Vivian Ducat> b : a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from others <for most of the well-to-do in the town, dinner was a shibboleth, its hour dividing mankind — Osbert Sitwell>