Rabbonis

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A title denoting a highly respected teacher or master in Jewish tradition ; an honorific form sometimes used for distinguished women in religious teaching
2. An esteemed designation for a leading female religious instructor in Judaism ; a respectful term for a woman recognized for profound scholarly authority
3. An honorary Jewish title given to women of exceptional religious learning or leadership ; an appellation expressing veneration for a female master or mentor in spiritual matters

Etymology: "Rabbonis" is the plural of "rabboni," which came into Latin from the Aramaic "rabbunī," a form of the word for "my master" or "my teacher." The Aramaic term is itself built on "rabbi," the Hebrew title of respect for a teacher of Jewish law, so the word carries a sense of personal devotion: a student addressing a master directly. The best-known appearance of "rabboni" is in the Gospels, where Mary Magdalene addresses the risen Jesus with it at the tomb (John 20:16). The Latin transmission of the word is what carried it into the European languages, which is why the English form looks more Latinate than its Semitic source. The plural "rabbonis" is the form used for more than one such teacher, and it is rare in English, appearing mainly in discussions of the Aramaic and Latin vocabulary of the New Testament.

Synonyms: rabbi, teacher, master, scholar, preacher

Antonyms: layman, student, follower, novice, ignoramus