noun also in an extended sense.
2. shibboleth ·noun hence, the criterion, test, or watchword of a party; a party cry or pet phrase.
3. shibboleth ·noun a word which was made the criterion by which to distinguish the ephraimites from the gileadites. the ephraimites, not being able to pronounce sh, called the word sibboleth. ·see judges xii.