BETHLEMITE Meaning and
Definition
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Bethlemite refers to a member or follower of the religious order known as the Order of Saint Bethlehem, which was established in the 13th century in Bethlehem. The Order of Saint Bethlehem was originally set up to care for the poor and sick, particularly those suffering from mental illnesses.
In a broader sense, the term 'Bethlemite' can also refer to an inhabitant or resident of Bethlehem, a biblical town located in present-day Israel. This definition refers to someone who lives or originates from the town, having a connection to its history, culture, or traditions.
Historically, Bethlemite has become synonymous with the term "Bedlam" due to the association with one of the order's most famous institutions, the Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem in London. This mental institution, commonly known as Bedlam, was notorious for its treatment of patients, causing the word "Bedlam" to be used colloquially to describe a state of chaos or madness. Consequently, Bethlemite has also been used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or erratic in behavior.
Furthermore, Bethlemite can be seen as an adjective used to describe anything related to the Order of Saint Bethlehem or its institutions, principles, or practices. This can encompass religious rituals, architectural styles, or the social and charitable efforts associated with the order.
Common Misspellings for BETHLEMITE
- vethlemite
- nethlemite
- hethlemite
- gethlemite
- bwthlemite
- bsthlemite
- bdthlemite
- brthlemite
- b4thlemite
- b3thlemite
- berhlemite
- befhlemite
- beghlemite
- beyhlemite
- be6hlemite
- be5hlemite
- betglemite
- betblemite
- betnlemite
Etymology of BETHLEMITE
The term "Bethlemite" is derived from Bethlehem, which is a biblical town in the West Bank. The name Bethlehem comes from the Hebrew word "beit lechem", meaning "house of bread".
In Christian tradition, Bethlehem is historically significant as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. During the medieval period, a Christian monastic order called the Order of Saint Bethlehem, also known as the "Bethlehemites", was established in England. They were also known as the "Brothers of Saint Mary of Bethlehem" or simply "Bethlem Brothers".
The Order of Saint Bethlehem originally began as a religious hospital dedicated to caring for the poor and the sick, and eventually evolved into a monastic order. They played a significant role in the development of the Bethlem Royal Hospital in London, a famous mental institution. Over time, the term "Bethlemite" became associated with both the order and the hospital, referring to their members or patients respectively.
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