Nazarite (năzˈərĪtˌ) [key] [Heb. nazir = consecrated], in the
Bible, a man dedicated to God. The Nazarite, after taking a
special vow, abstained from intoxicating beverages, never cut
his hair, and avoided corpses. An inadvertent breach of these
rules called for purificatory rites. His vow was for a fixed
term (though it could also be for life), at the end of which he
was released. Samuel, the prophet, and Samson were Nazarites.
The name is also spelled Nazirite. The Columbia Electronic
Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University
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