among the Jews, persons who, either of themselves, or by their parents, were dedicated to the observance of Nazaritehood. They were of two sorts; namely, such as were bound to this observance only for a short time, as a week or a month; or those who were bound to it all their lives. All that we find peculiar in the latter's way of life is, that they were to abstain from wine and all intoxicating liquors, and never to shave or cut off the hair of their heads. The first sort of Nazarites were, moreover, to avoid all defilement; and if they chanced to contract any pollution before the term was expired, they were obliged to begin afresh. Women as well as men might bind themselves to this vow.