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judas

peephole

noun zhoo-DAH Rare
Home & Lifestyle Household Items

Origin: from Judas Iscariot, the biblical betrayer

Also means

traitor

Usage Note

Judas names the small spy-hole in a door through which one can see visitors without being seen — a peephole. This sense derives from the image of secret observation associated with the betrayer Judas Iscariot, whose name also survives as a common noun for a traitor. The final s is silent.

Examples

"Elle regarda par le judas avant d'ouvrir."

Natural Translation

She looked through the peephole before opening.

Literal Translation

She looked by the peephole before to-open.

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