IHS

views updated May 14 2018

IHS. Abbreviation of the name Jesus by means of the first three letters in Greek (H being the uncial form of the letter eta). Later, however, attempts were made to understand the three letters as initials of words in Latin. Most popular was the interpretation In Hoc Signo [vinces], ‘in this sign [thou shalt conquer]’, the inscription on the cross seen in a vision by the emperor Constantine; or Iesus Hominum Salvator (Jesus, saviour of men).

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions JOHN BOWKER

IHS

views updated May 17 2018

IHS Jesus; the letters, from late Latin, represent Greek as an abbreviation of the name of Jesus used in manuscripts and also as a symbolic or ornamental monogram. Later they are often taken as an abbreviation of various Latin phrases, notably Iesus Hominum Salvator ‘Jesus Saviour of Men’, In Hoc Signo (vinces) ‘in this sign (thou shalt conquer)’, and In Hac Salus ‘in this (cross) is salvation’.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

IHS

views updated Jun 27 2018

IHS Iesus Hominum Salvator (Latin: Jesus, Saviour of Mankind)
• in hoc signo (Latin: in this sign)
• Jesus (Greek ΙΗΣΟΥΣ)

The Oxford Dictionary of Abbreviations FRAN ALEXANDER , PETER BLAIR , JOHN DAINTITH , ALICE GRANDISON , VALERIE ILLINGWORTH , ELIZABETH MARTIN , ANNE STIBBS , JUDY PEARSALL , and SARA TULLOCH