NICANOR. 1 . Son of Patroclus, a Syrian general who was engaged in the Jewish wars ( 1Ma 3:38 ). He was sent by Lysias in b.c. 166 against Judas Maccabæus, but was defeated. Five years later he was sent on the same errand by Demetrius; this time he endeavoured to win by strategy what he had failed to gain by force. Again he was compelled to fight, and was twice defeated, once at Capharsalama ( 1Ma 7:26-32 ) and again at Adasa, where he lost his life. The day of his death was ordained to be kept as a festival as ‘ Nicanor’s Day. ‘The account in 2 Mac (esp. 2Ma 14:12-30 ) differs in several details. 2. One of the ‘Seven’ ( Acts 6:5 ).
T. A. Moxon.