Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Corban \Cor"ban\ (k[^o]r"b[a^]n), n. [Heb. qorb[=a]n, akin to
   Ar. qurb[=a]n.]
   1. (Jewish Antiq.) An offering of any kind, devoted to God
      and therefore not to be appropriated to any other use;
      esp., an offering in fulfillment of a vow.

   Note: In the old Testament the hebrew word is usually
         translated ``oblation'' as in --Numb. xviii. 9, xxxi.
         50.

   Note: The traditionists laid down that a man might interdict
         himself by vow, not only from using for himself, but
         from giving to another, or receiving from him, some
         particular object, whether of food or any other kind. A
         person might thus exempt himself from assisting parents
         in distress, under plea of corban. --Dr. W. Smith.

   2. An alms basket; a vessel to receive gifts of charity; a
      treasury of the church, where offerings are deposited.