noun

1. a masculine name: dim. Joe, Joey; equiv. L. Josephus, It. Giuseppe, Sp. José; fem. Josepha, Josephine
2. Bible
   1. Jacob's eleventh son, whose mother was Rachel: Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers but became a high official there: Gen. 30:22-24; 37; 45
   2. the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus: Matt. 1:18-25: his day is March 19
      also called Saint Joseph

3. Etymology: in allusion to Joseph's coat: Gen. 37:3

   a woman's long riding coat, with a cape, worn in the 18th cent.

Etymology: LL(Ec) < Gr(Ec) Iōsēph < Heb yōsēph, lit., may he add: see Gen. 30:24