n. pl. rab·bis 1. Abbr. R. A person trained in Jewish law, ritual, and tradition and ordained for leadership of a Jewish congregation, especially one serving as chief religious official of a synagogue. 2. A scholar qualified to interpret Jewish law. [Middle English rabi, from Old French, from Late Latin rabbī, master, from Greek rhabbi, O my master, from Hebrew and Aramaic rabbî, my master : rab, master (from rab, to become great; see rbb in the Appendix of Semitic roots) + -î, my; see -y in the Appendix of Semitic roots.] |
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