joss

¹

[ jos ]

noun

1. a Chinese house idol or cult image.

joss

²

[ jos ]

noun

, British, Australian Informal.

1. a foreman or boss.

joss

/ dʒɒs /

noun

1. a Chinese deity worshipped in the form of an idol

Word History and Origins

Origin of joss¹

1705–15; < Chinese Pidgin English < Portuguese deos < Latin deus god

Origin of joss²

First recorded in 1855–60; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of joss¹

C18: from pidgin English, from Portuguese deos god, from Latin deus

Example Sentences

Joss Whedon, who is an executive producer and directed the S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot, has his hands full with the Avengers sequel.

From The Daily Beast

Last year, I spoke to Joss Whedon, the director behind The Avengers and its upcoming sequel about the lack of female superheroes.

From The Daily Beast

But Joss gave me my first job in Hollywood, which was writing a TV show for him.

From The Daily Beast

I was really thrilled that Joss Whedon asked me to be involved.

From The Daily Beast

This one came around and I was a little skeptical, but Joss reached out to me, and then Robert did.

From The Daily Beast

In short, he is the creature of this 'Joss'—this home-made deity—to which he bows down and worships.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, thin, joss sticks an' opyum f'r smokin' ar-re on th' free list!

From Project Gutenberg

Our joss-houses and our feasts are nothing to the splendors of American churches.

From Project Gutenberg

Every time she attempted to start playing, shouts were raised for Joss.

From Project Gutenberg

He was fat and crass and ugly, that joss, a fit deity for such a den, and he seemed to nod and to listen!

From Project Gutenberg