Shammaite

noun

Sham·​ma·​ite
ˈshaməˌīt
plural -s
: an adherent of the rigorous and often literal interpretation of the Jewish law taught by Shammai as opposed to the more liberal interpretation of the contemporary Hillelites

Word History

Etymology

Shammai, 1st century b.c. Jewish teacher + English -ite

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!

Dictionary Entries Near Shammaite

Cite this Entry

“Shammaite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shammaite. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!