mashgiah

mash·gi·ah or mash·gi·ach  (mäsh-gä)

n. pl. mash·gi·him or mash·gi·chim (-gm, -g-m)

An Orthodox rabbi, or a person appointed or approved by such a rabbi, whose responsibility is to prevent violations of Jewish dietary laws by inspection of slaughterhouses, meat markets, and restaurants where food assumed to be kosher is prepared for the public.

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[Hebrew magîa, from higîa, to look, inspect; see g in Semitic roots.]