Etymology

Proper noun

1. the supreme male deity of the Phoenician and Canaanitish pantheons; a Mediterranean fertility deity whose worship was characterised by the sexual acts of his followers during periodic rituals, along with occasional human sacrifice and frequent temple prostitution, worshipped as far back as 1400 BCE
2. the whole class of divinities to whom the name Baal was applied.
3. one of the fallen angels of Satan.
4. a false god or idol.

Usage notes

• The name Baal occurs in the Old Testament and elsewhere with epithets attached, referring to the different aspects (real or pejorative) of his character: Baal-berith, Baal-zebub / Baal-zebul, et cetera.