The Greek term properly signifies what belongs to all (as in ), but the Hellenists applied it to what was profane, i.e. not holy, and therefore of common or promiscuous use (). They also applied the term to what was impure, whether naturally or legally (as in , compared with; ). And, finally, it was used of meats forbidden, or such as had been partaken of by idolaters, and which, as they rendered the partakers thereof impure, were themselves called common and unclean.