Ephod definitions

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

EPH'OD, n. [Heb. to bind.] In Jewish antiquity, a part of the sacerdotal habit, being a kind of girdle, which was brought from behind the neck over the two shoulders, and hanging down before, was put across the stomach, then carried round the waist and used as a girdle to the tunic. There were two sorts; one of plain linen, the other embroidered for the high priest. On the part in front were two precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Before the breast was a square piece or breastplate.

Merriam Webster's

noun Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin, from Hebrew ?ph?dh Date: 14th century 1. a linen apron worn in ancient Hebrew rites; especially a vestment for the high priest 2. an ancient Hebrew instrument of priestly divination

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. a Jewish priestly vestment. Etymology: ME f. Heb. ' ep{ocirc}d

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Ephod Eph"od, n. [Heb. ?????, fr. '[=a]phad to put on.] (Jew. Antiq.) A part of the sacerdotal habit among Jews, being a covering for the back and breast, held together on the shoulders by two clasps or brooches of onyx stones set in gold, and fastened by a girdle of the same stuff as the ephod. The ephod for the priests was of plain linen; that for the high priest was richly embroidered in colors. The breastplate of the high priest was worn upon the ephod in front. --Exodus xxviii. 6-12.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

something girt, a sacred vestment worn originally by the high priest (Ex. 28:4), afterwards by the ordinary priest (1 Sam. 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1 Sam. 2:18, 28; 14:3). It was worn by Samuel, and also by David (2 Sam. 6:14). It was made of fine linen, and consisted of two pieces, which hung from the neck, and covered both the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment (Ex. 28:31). That of the high priest was embroidered with divers colours. The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders (hence in Latin called superhumerale) by clasps or buckles of gold or precious stones, and fastened round the waist by a "curious girdle of gold, blue, purple, and fine twined linen" (28:6-12).

The breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim, was attached to the ephod.