1. A squared stone pillar with a carved head (usually of Hermes) on top, used in ancient Greece as a boundary marker or ornament.
Usage: classical; often capitalized when referring to the Greek god Hermes

Examples

• The ancient Greeks placed herms at the entrances to their gardens.
• Archaeologists discovered a marble herm depicting Hermes in the ruins of the temple.
• The herm served both a religious and practical purpose in classical Athens.
• Many herms were decorated with inscriptions honoring the god.