Mara

Webster's Dictionary

(1): ( n.) The principal or ruling evil spirit.

(2): ( n.) A female demon who torments people in sleep by crouching on their chests or stomachs, or by causing terrifying visions.

(3): ( n.) The Patagonian cavy (Dolichotis Patagonicus).

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

Mara. The name which Naomi claimed for herself: ‘Call me not Naomi (‘pleasant’), call me Mara ( i.e . ‘bitter’): for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me’ (  Ruth 1:20 ).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Ma'ra. (sad, bitter). The name which Naomi adopted in the exclamation forced from her by the recognition of her fellow citizens at Bethlehem.  Ruth 1:20.

Morrish Bible Dictionary

An appellation which signifies 'bitter,' assumed by Naomi because of her sorrow.  Ruth 1:20 .

Holman Bible Dictionary

 Ruth 1:20-21

Easton's Bible Dictionary

 Ruth 1:20

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mā´ra , mâr´a ( מרה , mārāh , "bitter"): The term which Naomi applies to herself on her return from Moab to her native country (Rth 1:20). Changed beyond recognition, she creates astonishment among her former acquaintances, who ask, "Is this Naomi?" She replies, "Call me not Naomi" (i.e. "pleasant" or "sweet"), but "call me Mara" (i.e. "bitter"). In the light of her bitter experience, and her present pitiable plight, the old name has become peculiarly inappropriate.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(Heb. Mlara', מָרָא, for מָרָה, bitter, as explained in the context; Sept. πικρία Vulg. Matrl, id est amara), a symbolical name proposed for herself by Naomi on account of her misfortunes ( Ruth 1:20). (See Ruth).