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Glite Dictionary
⛪ Christian monk title 📜 Jewish teacher title
rabban

rabban

9.9
A title given long ago to senior Christian monks in the Syriac church
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : rabán
  • The title rabban was given to monks of high standing in the Syriac Christian tradition.

Examples

  • Many pilgrims visited the monastery to seek the wisdom of the rabban who lived there.

  • The rabban led the community in prayer.

  • The ancient manuscript was signed by rabban Bar Sauma, a respected religious leader.

  • Many rabbans were revered for their wisdom.

  • The title rabban was given to monks of high standing in the Syriac Christian tradition.

  • Many pilgrims visited the monastery to seek the wisdom of the rabban who lived there.

  • The ancient manuscript was signed by rabban Bar Sauma, a respected religious leader.

Synonyms

abbot
vsrabban
17 9.0

A monk who leads other monks in a monastery

is a historical Syriac title not the general monastery head
hegumen
vsrabban
  • Specialized
9.9

A priest who leads a monastery in the Eastern Orthodox or Eastern Catholic churches

is a historical title specific to the Syriac tradition

Surface Forms

rabban singular
rabbans plural

Etymology

Rabban comes from an old word rab meaning 'master' that was used in Aramaic and Syriac, and in the Syriac Christian world it became a respectful title for senior monks and religious leaders. So, a rabban was someone people turned to for spiritual authority.