Pl. Baalim. [Heb. ba’al lord.] The chief male deity of the Phœnician and Canaanitish nations; hence, transf. false god.
1382. Wyclif, Judg. ii. 13. The sones of Yrael … serueden to Baalym and Astaroth.
1535. Coverdale, ibid. Serued Baal and Astaroth.
1629. Milton, Ode Nativ., xxii. Peor and Baälim Forsake their temples dim.
1835. J. Anderson, Disc. Elijah, App. 352. The title of Baal or Lord thus bestowed upon the objects of idolatry.
b. attrib. as in Baal-priest, worship.
1831. Carlyle, Sart. Res., II. ix. There are True Priests, as well as Baal-Priests.
1863. N. & Q., 26 Sept., 251. Baal-worship prevailed in the pre-Christian era.
