Wandering Jew

noun

1. a legendary character condemned to roam without rest because he struck Christ on the day of the Crucifixion.
2. Also wandering Jew, Wan·der·ing-jew [] Also called inch plant. any of various trailing or creeping plants, as Zebrina pendula or Tradescantia fluminensis, having green or variegated leaves: a popular houseplant.

wandering Jew

¹

noun

1. any of several related creeping or trailing plants of tropical America, esp Tradescantia fluminensis and Zebrina pendula: family Commelinaceae
2. a similar creeping plant of the genus Commelina

Wandering Jew

²

noun

1. (in medieval legend) a character condemned to roam the world eternally because he mocked Christ on the day of the Crucifixion

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wandering Jew¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

In England the Wandering Jew was reputed never to eat but merely to drink water which came from a rock.

From Project Gutenberg

The Wandering Jew has been regarded as a symbolic figure representing the wanderings and sufferings of his race.

From Project Gutenberg

Most people are so short-lived nowadays; it's only with that Wandering Jew now that I ever have a chat over old times.

From Project Gutenberg

I must have muttered aloud something to myself about the Wandering Jew, for the old man spake up, bitterly and loudly.

From Project Gutenberg

Since the French visits referred to, it seems that the Wandering Jew's advent has not been able to gain much credence.

From Project Gutenberg