English Explanatory Dictionary

mezuzah

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A piece of parchment inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21) and attached in a case to the doorpost of a house.
  2. An object of similar function in the Samaritan tradition.

Pronunciation

/məˈzʊzə/ /mɛ-/ /məˈzuːzə/ /məˈzuːzɔː/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-mezuzah.wav

Word forms

mezuzah mezuzahs mezuzot mezuzoth mezuza mezuzza mezzuza mezzuzah mezuze

Etymology

From post-Biblical Hebrew מְזוּזָה (m'zuzá, məzûzâ, “doorpost”), with reference to Deuteronomy 6:9, a mitzvah (Biblical commandment as interpreted in Jewish law) ordering to “write the words of God on the gates and doorposts of your house”.

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