Hasmonean

American  

[haz-muh-nee-uhn] / ˌhæz məˈni ən /

Also Hasmonaean

noun

1. a member of a priestly family of Jewish rulers and leaders in Judea in the 1st and 2nd centuries b.c.

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Etymology

Origin of Hasmonean

First recorded in 1610–20; variant (with h-, from Hebrew kh- ) of Asmonean, from Late Latin Asmōnae(us) of Hasmōn (from Greek Asmṓnaios ) + -an

Example Sentences

In another, a young girl descended from the Hasmonean line jumps from a roof rather than marry King Herod, described as an illegitimate heir to the dynasty.

From Slate • Dec. 10, 2023

At the same time, as both ancient and modern rabbis have understood, one cannot write the Maccabees, the military battle, or the Hasmonean dynasty entirely out of the Chanukah story.

From Slate • Dec. 10, 2023

Unless you’re familiar with Seleucids, the Hasmonean dynasty, Essenes, Idumea, Antipater and the multiple kings named Antiochus, you may find the first couple of chapters tough-going.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 26, 2014

The Hasmonean state, originally a bulwark against Greek dominance, eventually declined into a petty Hellenist tyranny barely distinguishable from other military-political entities in the Middle East at the time.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2013

Unfortunately civil strife was waging in Palestine between the two Hasmonean brothers, Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, who fought for the throne on the death of the queen Alexandra Salome.

From Josephus by Bentwich, Norman