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Mary, the mother of Jesus

(Encyclopedia)Mary, in the Bible, mother of Jesus. Christian tradition reckons her the principal saint, naming her variously the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady, and Mother of God (Gr., theotokos). Her name is the He...

Harrison, Benjamin, political leader in the American Revolution

(Encyclopedia)Harrison, Benjamin, 1726?–1791, political leader in the American Revolution, signer of the Declaration of Independence, b. Charles City co., Va. As a member (1749–75) of the house of burgesses, he...

Tophet

(Encyclopedia)Tophet tōˈfĭt [key], in the Bible, place near Jerusalem, in the valley of Hinnom, associated with the worship of Molech. Tophet became a name for hell. ...

Old Man of the Mountain, in Islamic history

(Encyclopedia)Old Man of the Mountain, in Islamic history: see Assassin. ...

Baasha

(Encyclopedia)Baasha bāˈāshə [key], king of Israel (c.900–877 b.c.). He made himself king by the murder of King Nadab and the royal family. His reign as king of the schismatic northern kingdom is assessed neg...

James, Saint (the “brother” of Jesus)

(Encyclopedia)James, Saint, in the Bible, the “brother” of Jesus. The Gospels make several references to the brothers of Jesus, and St. Paul speaks of “James the Lord's brother.” While Protestants generally...

Justin Martyr, Saint

(Encyclopedia)Justin Martyr, Saint, c.a.d. 100–c.a.d. 165, Christian apologist, called also Justin the Philosopher. Born in Samaria of pagan parents, he studied philosophy, and after his conversion in Ephesus to ...

tenure, in law

(Encyclopedia)tenure, in law, manner in which property in land is held. The nature of tenure has long been of great importance, both in law and in the broader economic and political context. Tenure has varied great...

Azariah

(Encyclopedia)Azariah ăzərīˈə [key], common name in ancient Israel, especially among the priests. The following occurrences of the name in the Bible do not necessarily all refer to different persons. 1 Chief o...

Grampians, the

(Encyclopedia)Grampians, the, or Grampian Mountains, highest mountain system of Great Britain, extending northeast to southwest along the southern fringe of the Highlands, central Scotland. Ben Nevis (4,411 ft/1,34...