noun
Usage: usually capitalized H
1. : a Semitic alphabet used since about the 5th century B.C. for writing Hebrew and in medieval and modern times used also for Yiddish and on occasion other languages — called also Aramaic alphabet ; see alphabet table
2. : the Semitic alphabet used in writing Hebrew until about the 5th century B.C. and on occasion as late as the 2d century A.D. — called also ancient Hebrew alphabet, early Hebrew alphabet, old Hebrew alphabet