(n) the ethnic group claiming descent from Abraham and Isaac (especially from Isaac's son Jacob); the nation whom God chose to receive his revelation and with whom God chose to make a covenant (Exodus 19), Syn. Israelites
(n) a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties, Syn. Israelite, Hebrew
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ L. Israëlites, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_;, &unr_;, Israel, Heb. Yisrāēl, i. e., champion of God; sārāh to fight + ēl God. ] A descendant of Israel, or Jacob; a Hebrew; a Jew.