Joseph

[joh-zuhf, -suhf]

noun

1. (in the Bible) Jacob's eleventh son, the first of Jacob and his second wife, Rachel: sold into slavery by his brothers.

2. (in the Bible) the husband of Mary who was the mother of Jesus.

3. Hinmaton-yalaktit, c1840–1904, leader of the Nez Perce: led 1,000-mile (1,600-km) retreat from U.S. forces in an attempt to reach Canada in 1877.

4. joseph, a long coat buttoning in the front, worn especially by women as part of their riding habit in colonial America.

5. a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “increaser.”

Joseph

¹

/ ˈdʒəʊzɪf /

noun

1. Old Testament

   1. the eleventh son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel (Genesis 30:2–24)

   2. either or both of two tribes descended from his sons Ephraim and Manasseh

2. New Testament the husband of Mary the mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:16–25). Feast day: Mar 19

joseph

²

/ ˈdʒəʊzɪf /

noun

1. a woman's floor-length riding coat with a small cape, worn esp in the 18th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of Joseph¹

perhaps from the story of Joseph and his long coat (Genesis 37:3)

Example Sentences

But in August, the company’s co-founder, Joseph Sanberg, agreed to plead guilty to charges that he defrauded investors and lenders.

From Los Angeles Times

Soldier F, who cannot be named due to a court order, has also pleaded not guilty to five counts of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn and and unknown person on the same date.

From BBC

“The likelihood we are going to be able to house you at this moment is challenging,” said Ryan J. Smith, chief executive of the St. Joseph Center.

From Los Angeles Times

Co-founder Joseph Sanberg agreed to plead guilty Aug. 21 to a scheme to defraud investors and lenders of more than $248 million.

From Los Angeles Times

Leicestershire Police said it had received a complaint against Leicestershire county councillor Joseph Boam relating to an ice cream van allegedly left near a polling station in May.

From BBC