Rechabite

Definitions

  • Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
    • n Rechabite rē"kăb*īt (Jewish Hist) One of the descendants of Jonadab, the son of Rechab, all of whom by his injunction abstained from the use of intoxicating drinks and even from planting the vine. Jer. xxxv. 2-19. Also, in modern times, a member of a certain society of abstainers from alcoholic liquors.
    • ***
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
    • n rechabite A member of a Jewish family and sect descended from Rechab, which, in obedience to the command of Jonadab, refused to drink wine, build or live in houses, sow seed, or plant or own vineyards.
    • n rechabite Hence A total abstainer from strong drink.
    • n rechabite A member of a society composed of total abstainers from intoxicating drinks, called the Independent Order of Rechabites.
    • ***
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary
    • n Rechabite rek′a-bīt one of the descendants of Jonadab, the son of Rechab, who abstained from drinking wine, in obedience to the injunction of their ancestor (Jer. xxxv. 6): a total abstainer from intoxicating drinks: a member of the Rechabite order of total abstainers
    • ***

Usage

In literature:

They were ascetics like the monks, abstaining from wine and luxuries, as Samson and the Nazarites and Rechabites did.
"Beacon Lights of History, Volume II" by John Lord
The Rechabites found themselves obliged to observe the vow of their forefather Jonadab, Jer.
"The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant" by The Reformed Presbytery
The Rechabites are said to have been a branch of the Kenites, and to have descended from Hobab, the son of Jethro, Moses' father in law.
"Sermons on Various Important Subjects" by Andrew Lee
A Rechabite poor Will must live, And drink of Adam's ale.
"Handy Dictionary of Poetical Quotations" by Various
The Rechabites and Strong Drink.
"A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible" by Frank Nelson Palmer
He was like the Rechabites in his aims.
"Hebrew Life and Times" by Harold B. Hunting
The ball was given, in a large square building belonging to the Rechabites, situated in the upper part of the town.
"A Boy's Voyage Round the World" by The Son of Samuel Smiles
They'll be putting him in the family vault at Lezayre with his father, the staunch ould Rechabite.
"The Manxman A Novel - 1895" by Hall Caine
We do not stand here in the character of a modern Rechabite.
"Leading Articles on Various Subjects" by Hugh Miller
Rechabite on an inscription on Job, 140.
"Notes and Queries, Index of Volume 5, January-June, 1852" by Various
***

In poetry:

The Steamer was engaged by the Independent Order of Rechabites,
And all were resolved to see some rural sights;
And the place they selected was the village of Newburgh;
While each heart was happy and free from sorrow.
"An Excursion Steamer Sunk in the Tay" by William Topaz McGonagall

Related words