SHIBBOLETH

noun Etymology: Hebrew shibbōleth stream; from the use of this word in Judges 12:6 as a test to distinguish Gileadites from Ephraimites Date: 1638 1. a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning , a widely held belief , truism , platitude , 2. a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular group , a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from others