CHAEREAS kĭr’ ĭ əs (Χαιρέας, KJV, CHEREAS). An Ammonite commander, brother of Timothy, who opposed Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc 5:6). He controlled the fortress of Gazara (5:8). Judas chased the fleeing Timothy there and besieged the stronghold. Victorious, Judas killed the two brothers and many of their followers (2 Macc 10:32-38).