Shĭb'bo-leth, n.
n. [Heb. shibbôleth, an ear of corn, or a stream, a flood.]
Sense 1. A word which was made the criterion by which to distinguish the Ephraimites from the Gileadites. The Ephraimites, not being able to pronounce the letter ש, sh, pronounced the word sibboleth. See Judges xi. and xii.
Without reprieve, adjudged to death, For want of well pronouncing shibboleth. Milton.
Sense 2. Hence, the criterion, test, or watchword of a party; that which distinguishes one party from another; usually, some peculiarity in things of little importance.