n. & v.
--n.
1. a person of Hebrew descent or whose religion is Judaism.
2 sl. offens. (as a stereotype) a person considered to be parsimonious or to drive a hard bargain in trading.
Usage:
The stereotype, which is now deeply offensive, arose from historical associations of Jews as moneylenders in medieval England.
--v.tr. (jew) sl. offens. get a financial advantage over.
Phrases and idioms:
jew's harp a small lyre-shaped musical instrument held between the teeth and struck with the finger.
Etymology: ME f. OF giu f. L judaeus f. Gk ioudaios ult. f. Heb. yeh{ucirc}d{icirc} f. yeh{ucirc}d{acirc}h Judah