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hakam

noun
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ha·​kam
variants: or haham \ ḵäˈḵäm \ or less commonly chochem \ ˈḵȯḵəm \
plural hakamim or hahamim also chachamim or chachomim\ ˌḵäḵäˈmēm \

Definition of hakam

1 : one learned in Jewish Law : wise man specifically plural : the rabbinical interpreters of biblical law of the first two Christian centuries whose interpretations are recorded in the Mishnah and contemporary works
2 : a title given to a rabbi by the Sephardic Jews

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History and Etymology for hakam

Hebrew ḥākhām wise, wise man; chochem from Yiddish khokhem, from Hebrew ḥākhām

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Dictionary Entries Near hakam

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Cite this Entry

“Hakam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hakam. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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