joss

/dʤɔs/

Thân thiện

A small joss sits on a shelf in a quiet room.

Definition

Noun: 1. A Chinese god or deity: Specifically refers to a Chinese god or idol that is worshipped, often in the form of a statue or image. 2. An idol representing a deity: The physical representation, such as a carved figure or tablet, used as an object of worship in Chinese folk religion or Taoism.

Usage

The word "joss" is used primarily in historical and cultural contexts related to Chinese religion and practices. It often appears in phrases describing objects or places of worship. - It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., a joss, the joss). - It is often modified by words like Chinese or used in compound terms to specify its context.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The family made offerings to the household joss. (The family made offerings to the household deity/idol.)
  • An ancient joss was found in the temple. (An ancient idol representing a god was found in the temple.)
  • They burned incense before the joss. (They burned incense in front of the idol.)

Advanced Usage

• "Joss house": A term, now often considered dated or historical, for a Chinese temple or shrine where idols are worshipped.
  • The immigrants built a joss house in the mining town.
• "Joss stick": A stick of incense, typically burned as an offering before an idol.
  • The scent of joss sticks filled the temple.
• "Joss paper": Paper crafted to resemble money or goods, burned as an offering to deities or ancestors.
  • They burned joss paper at the grave during the festival.

Variants and Related Words

• Joss-house (n): A Chinese temple. (Often written as two words: ).
• Joss-stick (n): A stick of incense. (Often written as two words: ).
• Joss-paper (n): Ritual paper burned as an offering. (Often written as two words: ).

Synonyms

• Idol: A statue or image worshipped as a god.
• Deity: A god or goddess.
• Effigy: A sculpture or model of a person, often used in a religious context.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "joss" centers on the concept of a Chinese idol or god. Its usage in modern English is largely confined to specific compound terms (joss stick, joss paper) or historical descriptions of Chinese religious practices. It is not a common standalone word in everyday contemporary English outside these contexts.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a Chinese god worshipped in the form of an idol