Catholic Word of the Day: ONAN, 04-30-12

CatholicReference.net ^ | 04-30-12 | Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary

[Salvation]

Featured Term (selected at random):

ONAN

Son of Judah and Shua. When Onan's brother, Er, died, Judah ordered Onan to marry the widow, Tamar, and produce a son who would be Er's child, according to the levirate law (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Onan married her but frustrated the law by withdrawal during intercourse. In punishment, Yahweh caused Onan's death (Genesis 38:8-10). In modern usage, onanism is variously used to mean contraception or masturbation. (Etym. Hebrew Onan.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

[Salvation]

**onanism is variously used to mean contraception or masturbation**

Hmmm

[Salvation]

Catholic Word of the Day – links will be provided later by another FReeper.  (Would anyone like to help with this?)

 

Santa Maria Maggiore	Doctrine	Eugenic Sterilization
Via Dolorosa	Seven Dolors	Authority
Western Schism	Sick Call	Plain Chant
Palm Sunday	Malabar Rites	Nonjurors
Appellants	Diocesan Chancery	Chrism
Book of Common Prayer	Bridal Veil	Canonicals
Conflict of Rights and Duties	Celestines	Onan

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[sigzero]

I have never heard it used thus.

[the invisib1e hand]

It used to be the premier portable generator.

[Mrs. Don-o]

A million references. I see "onanism" can be used with a range of related definitions (Link), including masturbatory, perverse, physiologically impaired, and contraceptive references. What they all have in common --- what defines the core meaning of the term --- seems to be intentionally non-procreative ejaculation.

[Salvation]

Thanks for the research and the link. I concur with your judgment on what it all means — **seems to be intentionally non-procreative ejaculation.**