Definitions

1. noun

Small household idols or images used in ancient Israel, often made of wood or stone, and typically representing a family’s patriarchal figure.

“In the ancient Israelite culture, the teraphim were considered sacred and were often passed down through generations.”

2. noun

In modern usage, a teraphim can also refer to a mysterious or obscure symbol or image.

“The artist’s use of a mysterious teraphim in her painting added an air of mystery and intrigue to the piece.”