Joseph

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈd͡ʒəʊsəf/

Definitions

1. A common masculine personal name used in English-speaking countries ; a prominent character in religious texts, known as the husband of Mary and legal father of Jesus
2. A male first name popular in various cultures ; a notable individual in scripture recognized as a patriarch and often associated with stories in the Bible
3. A traditional boy's name frequently chosen in English contexts ; a significant biblical persona celebrated as a saint and key figure in Christian narratives

Etymology: The name Joseph comes from Hebrew "Yosef," and the Hebrew name is itself a word play: its root suggests "he will add" or "may he add," a wish that God would increase the family. Joseph is one of the most famous figures in the Book of Genesis, the favoured son of Jacob whose brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt before he rose to rule the land. The noun "joseph" as a common term is a different matter. It is used for a long, loose overcoat or a riding coat, and the likely allusion is to the "coat of many colours" that Jacob gave Joseph in Genesis 37:3, a garment that became the emblem of his special status. The link is probable rather than certain, since the usage survives mainly as a historical or dialect term for a garment rather than a documented line of descent from the biblical story.

Synonyms: joseph