baalshem

noun

baal·​shem
variants or less commonly balshem
bälˈshām
often capitalized
: one believed among Jews (such as earlier Polish Jews) to work wonders by the use of the name of God

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew baʽal shēm one who possesses or works through the (divine) name

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baalshem was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Baalshem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baalshem. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

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