sandek

noun

san·​dek
ˈsänˌdek
variants or sandik
-dēk
plural -s
: a person who holds the Jewish infant during the circumcision ceremony

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish sandik, from Late Hebrew sandīqōs, sindīqās, probably modification of Late Greek synteknos godfather, from Greek, foster brother, from synteknoun to breed, bring up children together, from syn- + teknon child

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 sandek

Cite this Entry

“Sandek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandek. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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