Pronunciation: ( jō'zuf, -suf), [key] 1. Jacob's eleventh son,
the first of Jacob and his second wife, Rachel: sold into
slavery by his brothers. Gen. 30:22–24; 37. 2. the husband of
Mary who was the mother of Jesus. Matt. 1:16–25. 3. (Hinmaton-
yalaktit), c1840–1904, leader of the Nez Percé: led 1000-mi.
(1600-km) retreat from U.S. forces in an attempt to reach Canada
1877. 4. (l.c.) a long coat buttoning in the front, worn esp. by
women as part of their riding habit in colonial America. 5. a
male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “increaser.” Random
House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House,
Inc., on Infoplease.