ˈbā(ə)l noun
( plural baa·lim ˈbā(ə)lə̇m, ˈbāəˌlim ; or baals -(ə)lz)
Etymology: Hebrew ba'al lord, name of a divinity
1. often capitalized : any of a multitude of Canaanite and Phoenician chief deities worshiped individually rather than collectively at localized sanctuaries and commonly distinguished by name according to area or function (as Baal-peor, Baal of Peor)
2. : a false god : idol