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Glite Dictionary
teraph

teraph

9.9
A small statue families kept in their homes and worshipped for protection long ago
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛrəf/
  • Archaic
translation icon : teraf
  • The museum displayed a rare teraph believed to be over two thousand years old.

Examples

  • Archaeologists discovered a small teraph among the ruins of the ancient settlement.

  • In some biblical stories, families kept a teraph for protection and guidance.

  • The teraph was worshipped in ancient households.

  • Did they have a teraph in their home?

  • In ancient cultures, families often kept a teraph in their homes to seek protection and guidance.

  • The archaeologist discovered a teraph among the ruins, indicating the spiritual practices of that civilization.

  • According to biblical texts, a teraph was believed to provide blessings to the household.

Surface Forms

teraph singular
teraphim plural

Etymology

Teraph comes from the old Hebrew word teraphim, used in the Bible for small household idols that families kept for 'protection' and 'guidance'. So a teraph is an idol or household god.