Yeshivish glossary term
mamzer
ממזר
Meaning
- specific prohibited-lineage status under Jewish law
Alternate spellings
mamzerim
Usage and context
A sensitive and frequently mistranslated halachic status; it should not be rendered simply as “bastard” or “illegitimate child.”
- Category
- marriage - family status
- Language origin
- Hebrew
Example in Yeshivish
The term mamzer has a very specific halachic meaning.
Plain-English example
The term refers to a narrowly defined Jewish-law lineage status, not simply to an illegitimate child.