▪ I. ‖ omer
(ˈəʊmə(r))
[a. Heb. ōmer. (Identity of the word in the two senses uncertain.)]
1. A Hebrew measure of capacity equal to the tenth part of an ephah, or 51/10 pints Imperial measure. (Formerly rendered gomer q.v.; also erroneously homer, in which form it is confounded with a much larger measure of capacity, homer2.)
| [1000–1631: see gomer.] 1611 Bible Exod. xvi. 33 Take a pot, and put an Omer full of Manna therein. Ibid. 36 Now an Omer is the tenth part of an Ephah. 1623 Cockeram, Omer, a pottle. a 1658 Cleveland Model New Rel. 21 For Sprats are rose an Omer for a Souse. 1706 Phillips, Homer, a twofold Measure among the Hebrews; one liquid, and the other dry, the former containing three Pints and a half. 1876 Helps Study Bible 241, 1·8 cab = 1 omer..5·1 pts. |
2. A sheaf; spec. the sheaf of the wave-offering: in Counting of the Omer, the formal enumeration of the days (day by day) from the eve of the 2nd day of the Passover (when the omer was brought) till Pentecost is reached; a custom observed by the Jews in synagogue and in homes, after Leviticus xxiii. 15, 16.
| 1860 J. Gardner Faiths World II. 560/2 The..‘days of the omer’. 1871 Daily Sabbath...Prayers, etc., Introd. 19 The Counting of the Omer. 1892 Zangwill Childr. Ghetto II. 259 They counted the days of the Omer till Pentecost saw the synagogue dressed with flowers. |
▪ II. omer
obs. form of umber, grayling.
▪ III. omer
var. omee.