shib•bo•leth
from Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary
Pronunciation: \’shi-bə-ləth also –,leth\
Function: noun
Etymology: Hebrew shibbōleth stream;
from the use of this word in Judg 12:6
as a test to distinguish Gileadites from
Ephraimites
1 a: a word or saying used by adherents
of a party, sect, or beliefand usually
regarded by others as empty of real
meaning
b: a widely held belief
c: truism , platitude
2 a: a use of language regarded as
distinctive of a particular group
b: a custom or usage regarded as
distinguishing one group from others