city upon a hill
English
Etymology
From Matthew 5:14. Cited by English colonist John Winthrop in the 1630 sermon A Model of Christian Charity. In turn, Winthrop's sermon was co-opted by later figures as an example of American exceptionalism.
Noun
- A morally exemplary settlement, destined by God for greater things. Most often used to refer to the United States, or more specifically the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Alternative forms
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