Definition of: Hebrew

(hē′br) noun
1. A member of one of a group of Semitic tribes; especially, an Israelite.
2. The Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews, used in the Old Testament: retained as a scholarly and religious language after its decline as a vernacular about the fourth century B.C.
3. The modern descendant of ancient Hebrew, the official language of the republic of Israel.
—Epistle to the Hebrews A New Testament book of uncertain authorship, addressed to Hebrew Christians: also Hebrews.
—adjective Relating or belonging to the Hebrews; Hebraic. [<OF Hebreu <L Hebraeus <Gk. Hebraios <Hebrew ‘ibhri, lit., one from beyond (Jordan)]