rabbi: [14] Hebrew rabbī meant ‘my master’. It was a compound formed from rabh ‘great one’ and the pronoun suffix -ī ‘my’. English originally acquired the word, via Latin, at the end of the Old English period, but only in biblical contexts, as a term of address equivalent to English master (as in ‘Jesus … saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), where dwellest thou?’ John 1:38). Not until the 14th century did it begin to be used as an ordinary noun, meaning ‘Jewish spiritual leader’.
rabbi (n.)
"Jewish doctor of religious law," late 15c. (in Old English in biblical context only; in Middle English also as a title prefixed to personal names), from Late Latin rabbi, from Greek rhabbi, from Mishnaic Hebrew rabbi "my master," from rabh "master, great one," title of respect for Jewish doctors of law + -i, first person singular pronominal suffix. From Semitic root r-b-b "to be great or numerous" (compare robh "multitude;" Aramaic rabh "great; chief, master, teacher;" Arabic rabba "was great," rabb "master").
双语例句
1. He has flatly denied casting aspersions on the rabbi's behaviour.
他已断然否认曾对拉比的行为进行过诋毁。
来自柯林斯例句
2. At the Rabbi's repeated suggestion Dozzie tried, and showed a great talent.
而拉比一再坚持,多齐只得试一下, 并显示出他出众的才能.
来自辞典例句
3. I see that she taped a program with Rabbi.
我知道她和拉比共同录制了一个节目.
来自辞典例句
4. Rabbi Binder's hand flicked out at Ozzie's cheek.
拉比的手突然挥向奥齐的面颊.
来自辞典例句
5. How come you're watching a rabbi play electric guitar?