baal

Noun

Synonyms: Baal

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples; the Hebrews considered Baal a false godSynonyms: Baal

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Baal \Ba"al\ (b[=a]"al), n.; Heb. pl. Baalim (-[i^]m). [Heb. ba'al lord.]

1.(Myth.) The supreme male divinity of the Phoenician and Canaanitish nations. [1913 Webster]

Note: The name of this god occurs in the Old Testament and elsewhere with qualifying epithets subjoined, answering to the different ideas of his character; as, Baal-berith (the Covenant Baal), Baal-zebub (Baal of the fly). [1913 Webster]

2.pl. The whole class of divinities to whom the name Baal was applied. --Judges x. 6. [1913 Webster]

Bel \Bel\, n. The Babylonian name of the god known among the Hebrews as Baal. See Baal. --Baruch vi. 41. [1913 Webster]

The Devil's Dictionary

BAAL, n. An old deity formerly much worshiped under various names. As Baal he was popular with the Phoenicians; as Belus or Bel he had the honor to be served by the priest Berosus, who wrote the famous account of the Deluge; as Babel he had a tower partly erected to his glory on the Plain of Shinar. From Babel comes our English word "babble." Under whatever name worshiped, Baal is the Sun-god. As Beelzebub he is the god of flies, which are begotten of the sun's rays on the stagnant water. In Physicia Baal is still worshiped as Bolus, and as Belly he is adored and served with abundant sacrifice by the priests of Guttledom.