| Shibboleth 1. (n.) A word which was made the criterion by which to distinguish the Ephraimites from the Gileadites. The Ephraimites, not being able to pronounce sh, called the word sibboleth. See Judges xii. 2. (n.) Also in an extended sense. 3. (n.) Hence, the criterion, test, or watchword of a party; a party cry or pet phrase. Thesaurus Entries banality, bromide, byword, catch phrase, catchword, cliche, countersign, cry, fad word, jargon, open sesame, password, pet expression, phrase, platitude, prosaicism, prosaism, rubber stamp, secret grip, slogan, tag, tessera, token, truism, vogue word, watchword |