A Partial Glossary Of Arabic Loanwords In English

[Prof. Ahmed Shafik Elkhatib]

A PARTIAL GLOSSARY

OF ARABIC LOANWORDS IN ENGLISH







1. INTRODUCTION

In his impressive book on the English language, Robert Burchfield (1985: 47) tells us that

the adoption of foreign loanwords is a direct

result of cultural contact, whether by imperialist

conquest, by tourism, or by the receiving of new

fashions of food, clothing, entertainment, or the

like, in one’s own country from abroad. (…)

Travel, war, and politics have brought into (…)

[English] a great many expressions from all the

major languages of the world, many of them

awkwardly pronounced and only half understood.

A few examples must suffice : from Arabic: Hadith

(body of traditions relating to Muhammad),

naskhi (sic) (cursive script), qasida (elegiac

poem), and rafik (companion) (…)

Burchfield (Ibid. : 26) cites some more words adopted from Arabic: harem, hashish, and mufti.



1.1 Purpose

The English language abounds in words that have been borrowed from other languages, including the Arabic language. It is the purpose of this paper to compile a list or rather a mini-dictionary of some of the words of Arabic origin which have been borrowed by the English language over several centuries (13th to 20th ) whether directly or via some other languages (including, among others, French, Italian, Latin, Persian, Spanish, Turkish and Urdu).



1.2 Definition of Terms

Before we set out to present the proposed glossary, a definition of two terms seems in order, namely “borrowing” and “loanwords”. Crystal (1985:36) defines “borrowing” as follows:

A term used in comparative and historical

linguistics to refer to linguistic forms being

taken over by one language or dialect from

another; such “borrowings” are usually known

as “loanwords” (e.g. restaurant, bonhomie, chagrin,

which have come into English from French), and

several types have been recognised (…) Less

commonly, sounds and grammatical structures may

be borrowed, e.g. the pronunciation of the above

loan words with a French or quasi-French accent,

or the influence of English grammar often found

in European languages, e.g. using English plural

-s for a noun, as in drinks, ski-lifts, goals, girls.



1.3 Scope of the Study

It is to be noted, however that the scope of the present paper is confined to lexical, across-language borrowing, in this case English from Arabic. The scope does not include dialectal, phonological or syntactic borrowings. The scope is also restricted to loanwords, which are but one of several types of loan process which include (a) “ loan blends” where the meaning is borrowed , but only part of the form, e.g. restaurant with a simulated French ending / rest r /; (b) “ loan shifts” (where the meaning is borrowed, and the form is native, e.g. restaurant as (/restr nt/); and ( c) “loan translations” where the morphemes in the borrowed word are translated item by item, e.g. superman from Ubermensch -- also known as calque.(1) (Crystal 1985:187; Bolinger and Sears (1981: Ch. 10 ; Robins (1980 : Ch. 7)). The concern of this paper, once again, is “loan words” “where both form and meaning are borrowed, or ‘assimilated’ , with some adaptation to the phonological system of the new language”. (Crystal 1985: 183)



2. PROCEDURES OF COMPILATION



2.1 The Source Dictionaries

The corpus for this study is included in five dictionaries dealing with English words and phrases which were borrowed from other languages. The dictionaries were carefully examined and all words claimed to have been borrowed from Arabic were copied on notecards. These dictionaries, arranged in alphabetical order of their compilers or translators, are :

(1) Alan J. Bliss, A Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases in Current English

(2) David Carroll, The Dictionary of Foreign Terms in the English Language

(3) Kevin Guinagh (tr.) Dictionary of Foreign Phrases and Abbreviations

(4) C.O Sylvester Mawson, Dictionary of Foreign Terms ; also The Harper Dictionary of Foreign Terms.

(5) Maxim Newmark, Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases

Full bibliographic information on these dictionaries are given in the BIBLIOGRAPHY.

All the words were then arranged alphabetically; and in case a certain word occurred in more than one dictionary, the cards were internally arranged in the order of the arrangement of the dictionaries as given in 2.1.



2.2 The Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

The OED was consulted for all the entries compiled from the five dictionaries. When a certain entry was found, the information relevant to the purpose of the proposed study was copied on the back of the card. In case a word was not found, A Supplement to the OED was consulted and the relevant information was copied on to the back of the card. Only those words found in the OED or its Supplement and which proved to be borrowed from Arabic were included in the main body of the research given in section 3 below.



2.3 Why the OED?

The OED is acclaimed as one of the most reliable sources in the etymological studies of the English language and as an invaluable monument of English linguistic scholarship. (2) It records nearly half a million words, some as old as the language itself, some of moderate antiquity, and some that are relatively new. The period of the language recorded in the OED is c. 740 to 1928, a period of approximately 1200 years.

In addition to the OED (1884- 1928) ,which includes twelve volumes, the Supplement includes four volumes: Vol. I, A-G, 1972; Vol. 2, H-N, 1976; (3) Vol. 3, O-Sc, 1982; and Vol. 4, Se-Z (forthcoming).

The material contained in the OED is remarkably rich. The linguistic genealogy of a word presents all the following information: current pronunciation, part(s) of speech, etymology, earliest printed use, original or primary meaning, later meanings set out in chronological order, and all meanings illustrated by printed evidence.

It is to be noted, however, that the present paper only cites: (a) the etymology,(2) only the first citation of the original or primary meaning, (c )

only the earliest printed illustration of the word. Occasionally, and only when the need arises, the variety of spellings, or part it , is given. For example, variable spellings are given for the word burnoose , which occurs in two different spellings in the source dictionaries.



2.4 Some Conventions, Short Forms, and Symbols

2.4.1 Conventions

_ Each entry is given in boldface, followed by the number assigned to the dictionary(ies) [Cf. 2.1 above] in which the entry occurs. Then the definition of the entry as it occurs in the dictionary is given. If the entry occurs in more than one dictionary, the process is repeated for each dictionary. The different definitions are separated by a colon. If the entry is spelled the same in different dictionaries, it is not repeated. In case the spelling is different, the variable spelling is given immediately after the number referring to the dictionary in question.

_ The dictionary numbers are given in numerical order unless there are different spellings; in this case the one occurring in the OED or its Supplement is given priority [Cf. dahabeeyah, e.g. where (5) is given before (1).

_ Forms in the etymology as well as (abbreviations of) titles of books in the quote representing the first occurrence are given in italics.

_ For convenience, the etymology, the definition, and the quote are started on new lines each -- an arrangement different from the way they are given in the OED and its Supplement.

_ A cross references to a preceding, a following, or a related entry is used when the need seems to arise. In this case, the word See or the short form Cf. is used between double parentheses: (( )).

_ (…) stands for an omission of any material that is presumably held to be not immediately relevant or not quite important to the context in which it occurs.



2.4.2 Short Forms

Ar. / Arab = Arabic

Aram. = Aramaic

c. = circa (about)

colloq. = colloquial

esp. = especially

Six. = from

Fr. French

Ger. = German

Gr. = Greek

Hind. = Hindustani

improp. = improper(ly)

It. = Italian

12th. = Latin

lit. = literally

ME = Middle English

med. L. = Medieval Latin

obs. = obsolete

OF. = Old French

Pers. = Persian

Pr. / Port. = Portuguese

Sp. = Spanish

usu. = usually

var. = variable / -ly



2.4.3 Symbols

| | = not naturalized

< = from

= obsolete



2.5 The Appendices

Following the main body of the paper, which includes all the words verified to be of Arabic origin, are some appendices which present some important findings of the study. These appendices include: (1) the words which were not found in the OED or its Supplement, or which were found but proved to have no relation to Arabic; (2) the Arabic words which have been naturalized into English, i.e. which have been assimilated into the language and are now part of the English language proper. These words are translated into Arabic. (3) all the words, naturalized or un-naturalized (i.e. used only in foreign or earlier English words), classified according to the immediate source language from which the words entered English. The languages are rendered in alphabetical order, and the words starting with the same letter are grouped together; (4) all the words listed in the main body of the paper, distributed according to the century in which they entered English.



3. THE GLOSSARY

Al (5) The [Arab]

OED : Al- pref. The Arabic article the, retained as an essential part of the word in various word of Arabic origin, adopted is Eng. As alcohol , alcove, alcoran, algebra, alkali, almagest, almanac, etc.

alcazar (5) Fortified palace of the moorish kings; name applied to modern structures of pseudo-Arabian design [Arab]

OED : ½½ Alcazar. [Sp., a fortress, a castle, ad. Arab. Al-qacr = al the + قصر qacr in pl. a castle.]

A palace, fortress.

1615 BEDWELL Arab. Trudg., Alcasar, Alcazar, The palace, the kings (sic) house.

Allah (4) [Ar.], God.; (5) Mohammedan name of God [Arab]

OED: Allah. [a. Arab. الله allah the (true) God, contr. of al-ilah, i.e. al the + اله (sic) ilah god = Aram. (…) elah, Heb. (…) eloah

The name of the Deity among Mohammedans.

1702 ROWE Tamerl, I.i. 14 Well has our holy Alla mark’d him out the Scourge of lawless Pride.

Almah or alma (4) [Ar.], lit., learmed or knowing; Egyptian dancing girl.

OED : Alma, almah. Also alme, almeh. [a. Arab. علمة (sic) almah, adj. fem. “learned, knowing” ; F. alma (sic) “to know” (because they have been instructed in music and dancing). Cf. Fr. almee.]

An Egyptian dancing-girl.

1814 BYRON Corsair II. Ii.8. While dance the Almas to wild minstrelsy.




Alme (2) [Ar.] In Egypt, a skilled female musician.

OED : Alme(h, an Egyptian dancing-girl : sea ALMA.



amir (5) Title of Mohammedan ruler [Arab]

OED : Amir, variant of AMEER. ½½ Ameer. Also, amir [a. Arab. (Pers. and Urdu)امير (sic) amir commander, F. amara to tell, order, command. As a historical Saracen title commonly spelt EMIR; the spelling Amir, Ameer , is used of modern Indian and Afghan rulers.] (…)

1614 SELDEN Titles of Hon. 49 In the Mahumedan state, they haue the name of Ameras, Amir, or Amera, applied to their great Sultan) which truly..may express Dominus or Lord.

Amir al. (5) Commander of the sea [Arab]

OED : Amiral, -el, -eld, obs. forms of ADMIRAL.



araba (4) [Hind. and Ar.], a heavy springless cart or wagon, often covered: Oriental.

OED : ½½ Araba. Also aroba. [a. Arab. and Pers. ارابة (sic) arabah, a wheeled carriage.]

A wheeled carriage used in the East.

1854 THACKERAY Cornh. To Cairo (1872) 620 Dragged about in little queer arobas, or painted carriages.



Arak (1) [Arab. araq “juice”] an Oriental ardent spirit distilled from the sap of the palm-tree or from rice and sugar. 17c. Formerly spelt arrack.

OED : Arak, var. ARECA, and obs. f. ARRACK. ((Cf. raki in APPENDIX I.)

arrack (5) Juice; fermented coco-palm liquor [Arab]

OED : [Ultimately Arab., عرق araq sweat, juice, esp. in araq at-tamr “the (fermented) juice of the date,” whence extended to all sorts of fermented beverages. The word has been adopted in all Mohammedan countries; the Pg. Araca araque, Sp. arac, Fr. arack, and Eng. arrack, are taken from Indian vernaculars, with the Indian sense. See also RACKI].

A name applied in Eastern countries to any spirituous liquor of native manufacture; especially, that distilled from the fermented sap of the coco-palm, or from rice and sugar, fermented with the coco-nut juice.

1516 BARBOSA Trav. transl. Ld. Stanley (Hakl.) 59. They bring coco-nuts, huraca (which is something to drink).

assegai (1) [Port. azagaia < Arab. Az-zaghayah] a light spear or lance of hard wood tipped with iron; properly Berber or Moorish, but extended to similar weapons used by all African tribes. 17c. Normally spelt assagai until the end of 19c.

OED : (…) Assagai, assegai. [a. F. azagaye (Cotgr.), or Pg. azagaia, Sp. azagaya, a. Arab. الزغايه (sic) az-zaghayah, i.e. az- = al- the, zaghayah native Berber word, adopted in Arabic, and thence in Sp. and Pg.; adopted from the Portuguese in Africa by the English and French. The proper spelling is assagai, but assegai was universal in the newspapers in 1879. Formerly also ZAGAIE, as still in Fr. ; and in ME. ARCHEGAYE (…)

A kind of slender spear or lance of hard wood, usually pointed with iron, used in battle. Originally, the native name of a Berber weapon adopted by the Moors; but extended by the Portuguese to the light javelins of African savages generally, and most commonly applied by Englishmen to the missile weapons of the South African tribes.

1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims II. 969 They of Myna or the Golden Coast, their arms are Pikes, or Assagaies, Bowes and were all armed with hassaguays.

azan (2) [Ar.] The Moslem call to prayer, called out five times a day from atop the minarets of the mosques.

OED Supplement: Azan [Arab. adan invitation.] The Moslem call to public prayers, made by the crier from the minaret of a mosque.

1855 R. F. BURTON El-Medinah II. xvii. 142 Here he prayed hearkening to the Azan, or devotion-call, from the roof.



bedouin (1) [Fr. < Arab. badawin pl. ] (an Arab) of the desert. 14c; (2) [Ar.] Nomadic tribesmen of the middle eastern deserts.

OED : a.F. bedouin, 12th c. OF. li bedowin (pl.), 13th c. beduins, beduyn (sing.), a. Arab. بداوين (sic), بدويين badawin, or badawin, pl. of بد (ا) وي badawiy or badawiy a dweller in the desert, f. badw desert. First known to Europeans in Crusading times. The plural, being of most frequent use, was adapted in med. L. as beduini, bedwini, It. Beduini, baduini, whence a sing. L. beduinus, It. beduino, F. beduin, etc., with the Arab pl. ending -in retained : cf. assassin, also cherubin, seraphin, rabbin. In English apparently forgotten after Crusading times till the 17th c. The mod. spelling is French : travellers acquainted with Arabic often substitute the forms in b].

An Arab of the desert.

C 1400 MAUNDEV. V. 35, I duelled with him as soudyour in his werres..azen the Bedoynes.

bint (1) [Arab.] a woman, esp. a woman of easy virtue. 20 c.

OED Supplement : sb. colloq. [Arab. bint daughter.] A girl or woman (usu. derog.); girl-friend.

The term was in common use by the British serviceman in Egypt and neighbouring countries in the wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45.

1855 R. F. BURTON Pers. Narr. Pilgrimage to Meccah I.v. 121 “Allah ! upon Allah! O daughter !” cry the by-standers, when the obstinate “bint” of sixty years seizes their hands. [pl. bints].

Bismillah ! (4) [Ar.], in the name of Allah !

OED : ½½ Bismillah. [Arab. بسم الله bi- sm-illah(i “in the name of God.”]

In the name of Allah or God; a common Mohammedan exclamation.

1813 BYRON Giaour 568 They reach the grove of pine at last : Bismillah! now the peril’s past.



bulbul (1) [Arab.] a species of thrush admired in the East for its song. 17c.

OED : [a. (through Pers.) Arab. بلبل bulbul

(…) a bird : a species of the genus Pychonuts, belonging to the Thrush family, much admired in the East for its song; hence sometimes called the nightingale of the East.

1784 SIR W. JONES in Memoirs II. 37 (Y.) We..cease to wonder that the bulbul, with a thousand tales, makes such a figure in Persian poetry.

burnoose (5) A hooded cloak [Arab]; (1) burnous [Fr. < Arab. burnus] a hooded cloak extensively worn by Moors and Arabs. 17 c.

OED : ½½Burnous, burnouse. [a. F. burnous, a. Arab. برنس burnus. On account of the final -s, the word has often been treated in English as a plural.]

(…) a mantle or cloak with a hood, an upper garment extensively worn by Arabs in the Moors.

1895 MOTTEUX St. Olon’s Morocco 81. The black Caps and Burnous they are oblig’d to wear.

cadi (4) [Ar. qadi], Muslim judge of inferior grade.

OED : ½½ Cadi [a. Arab. قاضى (sic) qadi judge, f. qada (y to judge (Whence, with al-, Sp. alcalde.)]

A civil judge among the Turks, Arabs, Persians, etc.; usually the judge of a town or village.

1590 WEBBE Trav. (1868) 33. In Turkie .. the graunde Cady, that is their chiefest Iudg.

caliph (5) Spiritual head of the Mohammedans; successor to Mohammed [Arab]

OED : Caliph, calif [ME. Califfe, caiphe, etc., a. F. caliphe, calife, ad. med. L. calipha, ad. Arab. خليفه (sic) khalipha, successor (f. khalafa to succeed, be behind), assumed by Abu-bekr after the death of Mohammed. Later forms attach themselves more directly to the Arabic : orientalists now favour Khalif. The pronunciation with long a (e) is not justifiable.]

The title given in Mohammedan countries to the chief civil and religious ruler, as successor of Mohammed.

1393 GOWER Conf. I. 245 Ayein the caliphe of Egipte.

carafe (1) [Fr. < Arab. gharraf “full of water”] an ornamental glass bottle for holding water; a similar bottle for wine, a decanter. 18 c.

OED : Carafe [a. F. carafe = It. caraffa (Neapol. caraffa a measure of liquids), Sp. and Pg. garrafa, Sicil. carrabba. According to Littre identified by Mohl with Pers. قرابة qaraba “a large flagon” (… ); but Dozy refers it to Arabic غرف gharafa to draw or lift water : cf. the derivatives غرف ghuruf little cup (sic), غراف ghiraf a great and full measure of dry things; غرّاف gharaf (sic) having much water, غرافه(sic) ghirafah a draught, etc., no one of which however exactly answers to the Romanic forms.]

A glass water-bottle for the table, bedroom, etc. The water has long been in common use in Scotl.; in England it is of later appearance, and often treated as still French. Also vulgarly corrupted to craft, croft.

1786 Lounger (1787) II. 178 Called for a .. craft of water.

Cid (5) Chieftain [Arab] [Sp.]. (…)

OED : ½½ Cid [Sp. cid chief, commander, a. Arab. سيّد sayyid, lord.]

A title given in Spanish literature to Ruy Diaz, Count of Bivar, a champion of Christianity against the Moors in the 11th century; and to the epic celebrating his exploits.

1687 J. PHILIPS tr. Don Quix. 599 And here it is that Cid Hamet takes the Opportunity to tell yee, etc.].

couscous (1) [Arab. kuskus] an African dish made by steaming flour over a bowl of boiling broth. 17 c.

OED : ½½ couscous, couscoussou [a. F. couscous (also improp. Couscou, couscoussou), a. Arab. كسكس, f. كسكس kaskasa to pound or bruise small.]

An African dish made of flour granulated, and cooked by steaming over the vapour of meat or broth.

1600 PORY tr. Leo`s Africa 142. In winter they [of Fez] haue sodden flesh, together with a kind of meate called Cuscusu.

dahabeeyah (5) Nile sailing boat. [Arab]; (1) dahabiyeh [Arab. ahabiyah] a large sailing boat used to carry passengers up the Nile. 19 c. Current in a wide variety of spellings; dahabiyeh corresponds approximately to the pronunciation of modern Egyptian Arabic.

OED : ½½ Dahabeeyah, -biah [Arab. ذهبيّه (sic) ahabiyah lit. “the golden”, f. ذهب ahab gold : name of the gilded state barge of the Moslem rulers of Egypt.]

A large sailing-boat, used by travellers on the Nile.

1877 A.B. EDWARDS Up Nile Pref. 12. The Dahabeeyah hired by the European traveller, reproduces in all essential features the painted galleys represented in the tombs of the kings.

dervish (2) [Ar.] A wandering Moslem mendicant connected with the order of the Sufi, an esoteric branch of Islam.

OED : dervish [a. Pers. درويش darvesh, darvish, darwish, a religious mendicant, a friar, in Ar. darwesh, darwish, Turkish dervish, the latter being the immediate source of the European form : cf. It. dervis, F. dervis, derwisch (in 1559 derviss), Sp. derviche, Ger. derwisch. Some of the variant spellings represent Arabic and Persian forms of the word. (The native Arabic equivalent is فقير faqir poor, fakir.)]

A Mohammedan friar, who has taken vows of poverty and austere life. Of these there are various orders, some of whom are known from their fantastic practices as dancing or whirling, and as howling dervishes.

1585 T. WASHINGTON tr. Nicholay’s Voy. III. xvii. 102. The third sect of the religious Turkes called Dervis.

dewan (2) [Ar. and Pers.] (1) In India and Persia, a prime minister; a high minister of finance. (2) In India, a native superintendent or overseer of a foreign business.

OED : ½½ Dewan [Arab. and Pers. ديوان diwan, divan, Pers. formerly devan, the same word as DIVAN, of which an early sense was “register”. Through the application to a register of accounts, and the financial department of a state, the word has in India been individualized and applied to the minister or officer over this department.] (...).

1690 J. CHARNOCK, etc. Ms. Lett. to Mr. Ch. Eyre at Ballasore (Y.), Fearing miscarriage of y Original ffarcuttee we have herewth Sent you a Coppy Attested by Hughy Cazee, hoping ye Duan may he Satisfied therewth.

dragoman (1) [Fr. < Obs. Arab. targuman] a guide and interpreter, esp. in a country where Arabic, Turkish or Persian is spoken. 14 c. The plural is dragomans; but dragomen, formed as if the termination -man were the English word man, is of long standing in English.

OED : [a. F. dragoman, drogman, in OF. drugemen = Sp. dragomen, It. dragomanno, med. L. dragumannus, late Gr. (…) , ad. O Arab. ترجمان targuman, now tarjuman, tarjaman, turjuman, interpreter, f. ترجم targama, tarjama to interpret = Chaldee (…) targem, whence targum). From 14th c. commonly treated as a compound of Eng. man with pl. dragoman; in 19th c. more frequently dragomans. (…).

An interpreter; strictly applied to a man who acts as guide and interpreter in countries where Arabic, Turkish, or Persian is spoken.

13.. (sic) K. Alis. 3401 Alisaundre .. is y-come to Arabye. So me saide a drogman c. 1430 (…).

elixir (1) [Lat. < Arab. al-iksir] a substance supposed to have the power of transmuting base metals into gold; a drug supposed to have the power of indefinitely prolonging life; a sovereign remedy, a PANACEA. 14 c.

OED : Elixir [a. med. L. elixir (cf. Fr. elixir, It. elissire, Sp. elixir, Pg. elexir), ad. Arab. الاكسير (sic), al-iksir (…), prob. ad. late Gr. (…) “desiccative powder for wounds”.

(…) Alchemy. A preparation by the use of which it was sought to change metals into gold. Sometimes identified with “the philosophers stone”; but perh. of wider meaning, including powders, liquids, or vapours used for the same purpose. Also elixir-stone.

c. 1386 CHAUCER Chan Yem. Prol. & T. 310 the philosopher stoon, Elixir clept me sechen fast echoon.

emir (4) [Ar.], military commander; also, a title.

OED : [a. Arab. اميـ (sic) amir, commander. (…).

(…) A Saracen or Arab prince, or governor of a province; a military commander.

1632 LITHGOW Trav. (1682) pt. v. 195. An Emeer, or hereditary prince.

fakir (1) Arab. faqir “poor (man)”] a Moslem friar or religious mendicant, a DERVISH; hence, a poor or naked ascetic of any Oriental sect. 17 c.; (2) [Ar.] An ascetic who performs physical austerities and mortifications to attain self-mastery; also, someone skilled in magic or spiritual achievement or, conversely, a charlatan or spiritual quack; (4) [Hind. & Ar.; Pr. fa-ker], Muslim religious mendicant : India.

OED : Fakir [a. Arab. فقير faqir lit. “poor, poor man”; some of the early farms may be due to the pl. فقرا (sic) fuqara.]

(…) Properly an indigent person, but especially applied to a Mohammedan religious mendicant, and then loosely, and inaccurately, to Hindu devotees and naked ascetics (Yule).

1609 Ro. C. Hist Disc. Muley Hamet vii Ciii/2 Fokers, are men of good life, which are onely given to peace.



farash (4) [Hind & Ar.], a servant who attends to the carpets and mats; also, one who sweeps an office. Spelled ferrash by Fitzgerald.

"This but a Tent where takes his one day’s rest

A Sultan to the realm of Death addrest;

The Sultan rises, and the dark Ferrash

Strikes, and prepares it for another

Guest. -Rubiyat of Omer Khayyam (tr.

by Fitzgerald)



OED : Farash, obs. form of FERASH.

½½ Ferash [Urdu from Arab. فرّاش farrash, f. فرش farasha to spread.]

“A menial servant whose proper business is to spread carpets, pitch tents, etc., and do similar domestic work. In more common use in India two centuries ago than now” (Yule).

1600 J. PORY tr. Les’s Africa II. 321 Other officers called Farrasin, that is .. chambelaines.



Fatiha (2) [Ar.] The first chapter of the Moslem holy book, the Koran; (4) fatiha [Ar.], lit., beginning or opening; the opening chapter of the Koran : (used as a prayer, esp. for the dying) : Islam. (…).

OED Supplement : ½½ Fatiha(h) (fa.tiha). Also Fatha, Fatheh, Fattah, Fattha. [Arab. fatiha, fatha opening, f. fataha to open.].

The short first sura of the Koran, used by Moslems as a prayer.

1821 G. F. LYON Narr. Trav. N. Afr. ii.74 Some one of Mukni’s men cries out “the Fattha !” (or first chapter of the Koran), every one joining in that prayer. Ibid. iii. 94. We sometimes met people on our road, who invariably at parting recited the Fatha.

Fedaya (4) (Ar.; pl. fedayeen or fedayin], member of Arab anti-Israel organization.

OED Supplement : ½½ fedayeen, sb. pl. Also -yin (Colloq. Arab. fida iyin, pl. of Class. Arab. fida i one who undertakes perilous adventures.]

Arab guerrillas operating against the Israelis.

1955 Time 12 Sept. 34/2 Small groups of Arab raiders carried the fight deep into Israel. Known as Al Fedayeen (Self Sacrificers), the sneaker-shod guerrillas are recruited from Palestinian Arab refugees.

fallah (1) pl. fellahin [Ar. fellah] an Egyptian peasant. 18 c; (2) [Ar.] In middle eastern countries, a peasant; a laborer or field hand. ; (4) [Ar. ; pl. fellahin], peasant; cultivator. ; (5) Egyptian peasant (pl. fellaheen) [Arab]

OED : Fellah. Pl. fellaheen, fellahs. [a. Arab. فلاّح fellah husbandman, f. فلح falaha to till the soil.]

A peasant in Arabic-speaking countries; in Eng. applied esp. to those of Egypt.

1743 POCOCKE Descr. East I. 177. The Mahometan inhabitants of Egypt are either original natives, in the villages call’d Filaws, or they are of the Arab race.

felucca (1) [It. < Arab. falukah] a small Mediterranean ship propelled by sails or oars or both. 17 c.

OED : Felucca. [a. It. felu(c)ca, Fr. felouque, Sp. faluca, Pg. falua, mod. Arabic. فلوكة falukah, also فليكة fulaikah.

Devic considers it to be of Arabic formation, cognate with Arab. فلك fulk ship, ب. root فلك falaka to be around.

A small vessel propelled by oars or lateen sails, or both, used, chiefly in the Mediterranean, for coasting voyages.

1628 DIGBY Voy. Medit, I sent out my pinnace and a falluca.



finjan (4) [Ar.], oriental coffee cup, without handle.

OED : Finjan : see FINGAN.

½½ Fingan, finjan [Arab. فنجان finjan, in Egypt fingan.]

A small porcelain coffee-cup, used in the Levant.

1609 W. BIDDULPH in T. Lavender Trav. Englishmen 66 A Fin-ion or Scudella of Coffa.

ghawazi (4) [Ar.], public dancer (sic) : Egypt.

OED Supplement : ghawazee, sb. pl. Also ghawazi, ghowazee. [ad. Arab. gawazi, pl. of next*.]. Egyptian dancing-girls.

1799 W.C. BROWNE Trav. Afr. vi. 86. The last are the female dancers or ghawasie.

* Next : ghazeeyeh. Also ghazie. [ad. Arab. gaziya.] An Egyptian dancing-girl.

1819 T. HOPE Anastasius I. xv. 325 A knot of ghazie distorted their limbs into as uncouth postures as if they had been frogs themselves.



ghazal (4) [Ar.], Oriental love lyric. ; (5) ghazel. Lyric form in Persian poetry; spinning (sic) [Arab].

OED : ½½ Ghazal. Also gazel, ghazel, ghasel, ghazul. [Pers., Arab. غزل ghazal.]

(…) A species of Oriental lyric poetry, generally of an erotic nature, distinguished from other forms of Eastern verse by having a limited number of stanzas and by the recurrence of the same rhyme.

1800 Asiat. Ann. Reg., Acc. Bks. 17/1 The Arabs, Persians, and Turks, celebrate in their gazels the praises of love and wine.

ghazi (2) [Ar.] In Moslem countries, a great warrior proficient at killing unbelievers.; (4) [Ar.], Moslem champion or slayer of infidels.; (5) Conqueror; title of Mustapha Kemal, first president of the Turkish Republic; fanatical Mohammedan fighter. [Arab]

OED : ½½ ghazi [Arab. غازي ghazi, pr. pple. of غزا ghaza to fight.]

A champion, esp. against infidels; also used as a title of honour. In modern use, chiefly applied to Mohammedan fanatics who have devoted themselves to the destruction of infidels. Hence Ghazism, the practice of Ghazis.

1753 HANWAY Trav. (1762) II. VI. i. 144. The most potent Sultan Achmed, Khan Gazi.

hadj (2) [Ar.] In Islam, a pilgrimage, usually to the holy city of Mecca.; (4) hadj or haj [Ar. hajj], pilgrimage; esp., a pilgrimage to Mecca made by devout Muslims.

OED : ½½ hadj. [Arab. حج hajj.]

A pilgrimage to Mecca.

1704 J. PITTS Acc. Mahometans vii. (1736) 218 Be sure to perform the Al hage, or el Hagge, i.e. the Pilgrimage to Mecca.

hadji or haji (4) [Ar. haji], one who has completed the hadj, or pilgrimage to Mecca; also, a title conferred on such a Muslim.; (5) Hadji. Mohammedan pilgrim to Mecca [Arab]. ; Hajji (1) [Arab. haji] a Moslem who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca. 17 c.

OED : ½½ Hadji, hajji [Arab. haji pilgrim : see prec.]

A pilgrim to the tomb of Mohammad at Mecca; (4) a title conferred on a Mohammedan who has made this pilgrimage.

[1585 T. WASHINGTON tr. Nicholay’s Voy. III.xxi. 110 Of the Pilgrims of Mecqua by the Turks called Hagislars.]



haik (4) [Ar.], a strip of woolen or cotton cloth worn over the head and body by Arabs.; (5) Cloak [Arab]

OED : ½½Haik, haick. [Arab. حيك hayk, f. حاك hak to weave.]. An oblong piece of cloth which Arabs wrap around the head and body, as an outer garment.

[1613 PURCHAS Pilgrimage (1614) 633 Newes from Barbary..his Turban of course Callico, his Alheik or loose gowne of Lile Grogram.]



hakeem (2) [Ar.]. In Moslem nations, a physician; also, a king; a ruler (sic).; (4) hakeem or hakim [Ar. hakim], lit, wise one ; Muslim physician.; (1) hakim [Arab. hakim] a Moslem physician. 17 c. Distinct from hakim, (Arab. hakim), a Moslem judge or ruler.

OED : ½½ Hakeem, hakim. [Arab. حكيم hakim wise, learned, philosopher, physician, f. hakama to exercise authority, in deriv. conj. to know, be wise or learned.]

A physician or doctor, in Mohammedan countries and in India.

[1585 T. WASHINGTON tr. Nicholay’s Voy. III.xii. 93. The common Phisitions which the Turkes call Echim.]

Hakim (1) [Arab. hakim] a Moslem physician. 17 c. Distinct from hakim (Arab. hakim), a Moslem judge or ruler.; (4) [Ar. hakim], Muslim judge or governor.

OED : ½½ hakim [Arabic حاكم hakim governor, f. حكم hakama to exercise authority.]

A judge, ruler, or governor, in Mohammedan countries and in India; the administrative authority in a district.

1615 BEDWELL Arab. Trudg. The Haccams of ttimes (sic) are men of meaner degree.

hamal or hammal (4) [Turk., Ar., and Hind.], Oriental porter; palanquin bearer.

OED : ½½ Hammal, hummaul [Arab. حمّال hammal porter, f. hamala to carry.]

A Turkish or Oriental Porter; in Western India, a palanquin-bearer.

1766 GROSE Voy. E. Ind. (1772) I. 120 (Y.s.v. Hammal). The Hamauls or porters, who make a livelihood of carrying goods to and from the warehouse.

hammam (1) [Arab. hammam] a Turkish bath. 17 c. Formerly often written hummum.; (4) [Turk. & Ar.], Turkish bath.

OED : ½½ Hammam, hummaum [Arab. حمّام hammam bath.]

1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims II.ix. 1419 (Stanf.), I went to the Hammam.

harem (1) [Arab. haram (sic) “unlawful”] the part of a Moslem house where the women live in seclusion; Moslem women living in seclusion; hence, any collection of concubines. 17 c. The form harim, harrem, also occ. used, is from the synonymous Arab. harim.

OED : Harem, haram [a. Arab. حرم haram and حريم harim lit. (that which is) prohibited or unlawful, that which a man defends and fights for, as his family, a sacred place, sanctuary, enclosure; the women’s part of the house; wives, women; from حرم harama (sic) to prohibit, forbid, make unlawful. The two Arabic words are practically synonymous, esp in countries where Arabic is not the vernacular. From the first come the earlier Eng. haram and harem; from the second the later harim, hareem; (…).]

(…) The part of a Mohammedan dwelling-house appropriated to the women, constructed so as to secure the utmost seclusion and privacy; called also seraglio, and in Persia and India zenana.

1634 SIR T. HERBERT Trav. 62 He has three hundred women in his Seraglio (called here Haram). Ibid. 148 The other women belonging to Seraglioes or Haramms live discontented.

hashish (1) [Arab. hashish] a preparation of Indian hemp, the leaves and seeds of which are narcotic and intoxicating. 16 c. The preparation may be smoked, or drunk as an infusion. (…) ; (2) [Ar.] The resin collected from the cannabis plant, smoked or eaten as an intoxicant.

OED : ½½ Hashish, hasheesh. [Arab. حشيش hashish dry herbs, hay, the dry leaves of hemp powdered, the intoxicant thence prepared.]

The top leaves and tender parts of the Indian hemp (which in warm countries develop intoxicating properties) dried for smoking or chewing, in Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, etc. (…)

1598 W. PHILLIPS Linschoten 1. (1885) II. 116 Bangue..is made in three sorts. The first by the AEgyptians is called Assis, which is the poulder of Hemp, or of Hemp leaves.

hegira / hejira (1) [Lat. hegira < Arab. hijrah]. Mahomet’s flight from Mecca to Medina in 622; hence, any flight or sudden departure. 16 c. ; (2) hegira [Ar.]. The flight of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in A.D. 622, used as a date to mark the founding of the Moslem religion; also, any flight or sudden departure.; (4) hegira [Ar.], the beginning of the Muslim calendar, commemorating the flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. (A.D. 622).

OED : ½½Hegira, hejira [a. med. L. hegira (F. hegire, Sp. hegira, It. egira), ad. Arab. هجره (sic) hijrah departure from one’s country and friends, spec. الهجرة alhijrat the flight of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina; f. hajara to separate, go away. The more correct form, directly from Arabic, is HIJRAH.]

(…) The flight of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D., from which the Mohammedan chronological era is reckoned; hence, this era.

The era is reckoned to begin with 16th July 622, though the actual date of Mohammed’s flight is now believed to have been nearly a month earlier. As the era is reckoned by lunar years of 354 and 355 days, it progresses more rapidly than the Christian era, founded upon the solar year.

1590 L. LLOYD Consent of Time 709 (Stanf.) Neither the Arabians of their Hegyra.

hookah (1) [Arab. huqqah] and Oriental pipe in which the smoke bubbles through scented water before being inhaled through a long flexible tube. 18 c. (…); (5). Water pipe with long tube [Arab]

OED : ½½ a. Arab. (Pers., Urdu حقّه (sic) huqqah casket, vase, cup,”the bottle through which the fumes pass in smoking tobacco" extended in Urdu to the whole apparatus.].

A pipe for smoking, of Eastern origin, having a long flexible tube, the smoke being drawn through water contained in a vase, to which the tube and the bowl are attached; the narghile of India.

1763 SCRAFTON Indostan iii (1770) 86 A fellow entered..and carried off the gold top of the hookah he was smoaking.

howdah (5) Litter; seat on elephant’s back [Arab]

OED : ½½ Howdah [Pers. and Urdu هوده haudah, modified from Arab. هودج hawdaj, a litter carried by a camel or an elephant.]

A seat to contain two or more persons, usually fitted with a railing and a canopy, erected on the back of on elephant.

1774 Ann. Reg. 211 Where proudly plac’d the regal Houdah stands.

howri (5) Nymph of the Moslem paradise; beautiful woman [Arab]

OED : ½½Houri [a. F. houri (1654 in Hatz.-Darm.), a. Pers. حورى huri, f. Arabic حور hur pl. of حوراء haura fem., in حور العيون hur-al- ayun (sic) (females) gazelle-like in the eyes, f. حور hawira to he black-eyed like a gazelle.]

A nymph of the Mohammedan Paradise. Hence applied allusively to a voluptuously beautiful woman.

1737 JOHNSON Irene IV.v, Suspend thy passage to the seats of bliss, Nor wish for houries in Irene’s arms.

ihram (2) [Ar. ] In Islam, a white cotton garment worn by a pilgrim on his journey to the holy city of Mecca.

OED : ½½ Ihram [Arab. احرام (sic) ihram (f. حرم harama to forbid : cf. HAREM), a kind of dress used by the Arabs in Spain and Africa; "sacred state "(Freytag).]

(…) The dress worn by Mohammedan pilgrims, consisting of two pieces of white cotton, the one girded round the waist, and the other thrown over the left shoulder.

1704 J. PITTS Acc. Mohometans vii. 80. They take off all their cloaths, covering themselves with two Hirrawems, or large white Cotton Wrappers.

imam (1) [Arab. imam] a Moslem priest; a title given to the Caliph and certain other Moslem leaders. 17 c.; (2) [Ar.] In Islam, one who leads the faithful in prayer.

OED : ½½ Imam, imamu [a. Arab امام (sic) imam leader, president, etc., f. امّ (sic) amma to go before, precede. The form iman is that used in F. and Sp.]

The officiating priest of a Mohammedan mosque.

(…) 1613 PURCHAS Pilgrimage (1614) 301 Then ariseth another Priest of another order Imam, and readeth a Psalme aloude.

Islam (1) [Arab. islam “resignation”] the religious system founded by Mahomet. 19 c. The word Moslem “follower of Mahomet” is from Arab. Muslim, a participle formed from the same root s-1 m, which is also found in SALAAM.; (5) true faith, Mohammedanism [Arab].

OED : Islam [a. Arab. اسلام (sic) lit. “resignation, surrendering” , inf. noun of اسلم (sic) aslama “he resigned or surrendered (himself)”, spec. “he became or was resigned or submissive (to God)”, hence, he became or was sincere in his religion “, 4th conjug. of salama (sic) “he was or became safe, secure, or free “ ;whence also the word salaam, Moslem, Mussulman.].

The religious system of Mohammed, Mohammedanism; the body of Mohammedans or Mussulmans, the Mohammedan world.

As the proper name of orthodox Mohammedanism islam is understood as “the manifesting of humility or submission and outward conformity with the law of God” (Lane).

1818 SHELLEY (title) The Revolt of Islam.





jihad (2) [Ar.] In Islam, a holy war; also, any crusade carried out for a rightful and holy purpose.; (4) jihad or jehad [Ar.], a Moslem war against heretics or enemies of Islam; hence, a war or crusade waged for principle or belief.; (1) jehad [Arab. jihad] a holy war by Moslems against unbelievers; hence a crusader, a war or campaign inspired by some doctrine or principle. 19c. Also in the form jihad; (5) jehad: War against unbelievers; holy war or crusade; Mohammedan Holy War [Arab]

OED : ½½ Jihad, jehad. Also jahad. [Arab. جهاد jihad struggle, contest, spec. one for the propagation of Islam.].

A religious war of Mohammedans against unbelievers in Islam, inculcated as a duty by the Koran and traditions.

1869 M Wilks Sk. S. India. (ed. 2) II. xlviii 381. The projects of Jehad--holy war.

jinn (2) [Ar.] In Islamic myths, a supernatural being, capable of magic transformations and endowed with great force for good or evil.

OED : Jinn [a. Arab جنّ jinn, collect. pl., demons, spirits, angels; sing. jinni (see next).]

In Mohammedan demonology, an order of spirits, lower than the angels, said to have the power of appearing in human and animal forms, and to exercise supernatural influence over men. More commonly used as a sing. to denote one of this class.

a . (as sing.) 1684 Tavernier’s Trav. II. 67 Some Dgen or evil Spirit. (… )

b. (as pl.) 1841 LANE Arab. Nts. I. Notes to Introd. 30 The species of Jinn is said to have been created some thousands of years before Adam.

jinnee (5) Reincarnated spirit in human or animal form (fem. jinneeyeh; pl. jinn) [Arab]

OED : ½½ Jinnee. Also fem. jinneeyeh [a. Arab. جنّى jinni, fem. جنيّة jinniyeh, demon or spirit. A more frequent spelling in English is genie (…) The sing. of prec.

1713 tr. Arab. Nts I. 14 It was one of those malignant Genies, that are Mortal Enemies to Mankind.]





jubbah or jubba (4) [Hind. & Ar.], a long robe worn by Mohammedans of both sexes. (2) jubba [Ar.] A long robe worn in Moslem countries as daily dress for both men and women.

OED : ½½ Jubbah (ad. Arab. جبه (sic) jubbah, whence also Sp. (with Arab. article) aljuba, It. giubba, giuppa, Prov. jupa, F. jube, jupe ( …); derivative F. jupon. Another pronunciation of the Arabic is JIBBAH]

An outer garment worn by Mohammedans and Parsees, consisting of a long cloth coat, open in front with sleeves reaching nearly to the waists.

a 1548 HALL Chron., Hen. VIII 83. There were apparelled for Hector, Alexandre, and Iulius Caesar, in Turkay Iubbes of grene cloth of gold wrought like chamlet very richely.

kadi (5) Mohammedan judge [Arab]

OED : ½½Kadi, Kadee, variant of CADI. Hence Kadilik, the jurisdiction of a cadi.

1704 J. PITTS Acc. Mahometans 27 The Man to be married..goes to the Kadee, i.e. Judge, or Magistrate.



kafir (4) [Ar.], a non-Muslim; infidel.

OED : kaffir; prop. kafir. Also kaffer, keffro; and see CAFFRE. [a. Arab. kafir infidel : see CAFRRE.]

(…) = CAFFREI, “infidel”, Giaour.

1814 SOUTHEY Roderick V. 198 A Moor came by, and seeing him [the Goth], exclaimed Ah, Kaffer ! worshipper of wood and stone.

kef (2) [Ar.] Indian hemp; marijuana, specially that used in the Middle East; also, the torpid state resulting from the use of such narcotics. ; (1) kif / keef [Arab kaif] a state of dreamy intoxication induced by a narcotic; hence, Indian hemp. 19 c.

OED : ½½ Kef, keif, kief. Also kaif, keef, kiff. [Arab. كيف kaif, colloquially kef, well-being, good-humour, enjoyment, pleasure.]

(…) a state of drowsiness or dreamy intoxication, such as is produced by the use of bhang, etc. b. The enjoyment of idleness; “dolce far niente”. To make (or do) kef, to pass the time in idleness.

1808 R. DRUMMOND Illustr. Gram. Guzarattee, etc. (Y.), A kind of confectio Taponica...causing keif, or the first degree of intoxication.





keffiyeh (4) [Ar.]. Same as KAFFIYEH. (4) kaffiyeh [Ar.], Arab headdress, as worn esp. by Bedouins. ; (2) keffieh [Ar.] In the Middle East, a bandana worn over the head as protection from the sun.

OED : ½½ Keffiyeh. Also keifiyeh, -ia, Kef(f)eyah, keffie(h), kafieh, kaff-,kufiyeh. [Arab. كفيّة kaffiyah or kuffiyeh, by some held to he ad. late Lat. cofea, cuphia : see COIF.]

A kerchief worn as a head-dress by the Bedouin Arabs.

a. 1817 J. L. BURCHARDT Bedouins (1831) I. 48 All the Bedouins wear on the head..a turban or square kerchief of cotton....called keffie.

khamsin (1) [Arab. khamsin “fifty”] an oppressively hot south-east wind which blows in Egypt and neighbouring countries for about fifty days during March, April and May. 17 c. (…); (2) In the Near East, a hot wind originating in the desert.

OED : ½½ Khamsin [Arab. خمسين khamsin, mod. colloquial form (=oblique case) of خمسون khamsun fifty (see def.).]

An oppressive hot wind from the south or south-east, which in Egypt blows at intervals for about 50 days in March, April, and May, and fills the air with sand from the desert.

1685 BOYLE Salub. Air 74 A kind of Dew, which..purifies the air from all the Infection of Camsims.

khan (1) [Arab. khan] an unfurnished building for the accommodation of travellers in the East. 14 c.; (2) [Ar.] In the Middle East, a stopping place on a road; an inn; a caravanserai (sic). ; (4) [Ar. & Pers.], caravansary.

OED : ½½ Khan [Arab. خان khan inn] In the East : A building (unfurnished) for the accommodation of travellers, a caravanserai.

a.c. 1400 Three Kings Cologne 22 He dischargeb hym his hors..of his brethren and so sendeth hym into a swich a hows bat is cleped bere also alchan.

khubber (4) [Anglo-Ind.; Hind. & Ar. khabar], news; information; report.

OED : ½½ Khubber. East Ind. Also khuber, khab(b)ar. [Urdu (Pers. & Arab.) خبر khabar.]

Information, news, report, rumor.

1878 Life in the Moffussil I. 159 (Y.) Khabar of innumerable black partridges has been received.

Khutbah (4) [Ar.], an address or sermon delivered usually on a Friday, in the principal mosques : Islam.

OED : ½½ Khutbah. Also kottbah, khootba, khotbeh,-bah. [Arab. خطبة khutbah, khotbeh, f. خطب khataba to preach.]

A form of sermon or oration used at the Friday service in Mohammedan mosques; the name of the ruling sovereign is inserted near its close.

1800 Asiat. Ann. Reg., Misc. Tr. 49/1. He repeatedly read the kootbah, or prayer, containing the name and titles of the prince of the age.

kiblah (4) [Ar.], the point to which Muhammedans turn at prayer.

OED : ½½ Kiblah [Arab. قبله (sic) qiblah, that which is placed opposite, f. qabala to be opposite.]

The point (the temple at Mecca) to which Mohammedans turn at prayer.

For a short period in the early history of Islam the kiblah was at Jerusalem.

1704 J. PITTS Acc. Mahometans 40 They all stand with their Faces one way, i.e. toward the Kiblah, or the Temple at Mecha.

kismet (1) [Turk. < Arab. qisma(t)] fate, destiny. 19 c. The spelling kismat, formerly common, reflects the Arabic form.

OED : ½½ Kismet. Also kismat, kismut. [Turk. kismet, Pers. qismat, a. Arab. قسمة qismat(t) portion, lot, fate, f. qasama to divide.]

Destiny, fate.

1849 E. B. EASTWICK Dry Leaves 46 One day a man related to me a story of Kismat or destiny.

kohl (1) [Arab. Koh’l] powdered antimony, used in the East for darkening the eyelids. 18 c. The same Arabic word, with the Arabic definite article, forms the word alcohol, the common idea being “sublimation”. ; (2) [Ar.] A black salve, like mascara, used by women of the east to highlight and darken their eyes.; (5) Antimony powder used to darken eyelids [Arab]

OED : ½½ Kohl [Arab. كحل kuh’l, koh’l; (…) A powder used in the East to darken the eyelids, etc. usually consisting of finely powdered antimony.

1799 W. G. BROWNE Trav. Africa, etc. xxi. 318. If anything he applied in these flussioni..it is generally kohhel (calx of tin mixed with sheep’s fat).

Koran (5) Book; the sacred book of the Mohammedans [Arab]

OED : Koran. [a. Arab. قرآن quran, qoran recitation, f. qara a to read (…)

The sacred book of the Mohammedans, consisting of revelations orally delivered at intervals by Mohammed, and collected in writing after his death : it is in Arabic, and consists of 114 surahs or chapters.

1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims II, iii. v. 264 [Nicetas] Anathematiseth the Core, that is, Mahomets Scripture and all his learning.

loofah (5) Plant used as a brush in a Turkish bath [Arab]

OED : Loofa. [a. Egyptian Arabic لوفة lufa , a plant of this species, which collectively is called لوف luf.]

The fibrous substance of the pod of the plant Luffa aegyptiaca, used as a sponge or flesh-brush. Also attrib., as loofa-tree.

1887 MOLONEY Forestry W. Afr. 356 Loofah, Konyikon, or Native Sponge of Western Africa.

macrame (1) [Turk. makrama “napkin” < Arab miqramah] (the art of making) a fringe of knotted thread. 19 c.

OED : Macrame. Also macrami. [App. a. Turk. maqrama towel, napkin, handkerchief, a. Arab. مقرمة miqrama ? striped cloth.]

A fringe or trimming of knotted thread or cord; knotted-work; the art of making this. Also attrib.

1869 MRS. PALLISER Lace iv. 65 This art is principally applied to the ornamenting of huckabock towels, termed Macrame, a long fringe of thread being left at each end, for the purpose of being knitted together in geometrical designs.



madrasah (4) madrasa [Ar.], Muslim school or college.

OED : ½½ Madrasah, medresseh [The various forms represent Indian, Turkish, and Persian pronunciations of Arab. مدرسة madrasa f. درس darasa to study.]

A Mohammedan college.

1662 J. DAVIES tr. Olearius’ Voy. Ambass. 214. We .. found that it was a School or College, which they call Mandresa, of which kind there are very many all over Persia.

Mahdi (2) [Ar.] In Islam, the name of the spiritual savior destined to rule the world.; (5) Mohammedan messiah; title assumed by several Moslem leaders [Arab]

OED : ½½ Mahdi [Arab. مهديّ mahdiy, lit. “he who is guided aright”, passive pple. of هدى hada to lead in the right way.]

A spiritual and temperal leader expected by the Mohammedans to appear in the latter days. In recent use chiefly applied to certain insurrectionary leaders in the Soudan from about 1180, who are alleged to have claimed to be the predicted “Mahdi”.

1800 Asiat. Ann. Reg. Misc. Tr. 125/I Mahommed, who was proclaimed Khalif at Medina in the year of the Hejira 145, and who assumed the title of Mohdi or Mahdi.

malik (5) Chieftain [Arab]

OED : ½½ Malik. [Arab. مالك malik, pr. pple. of malaka to possess, rule.]

The chief or headman of a village or other community in parts of India and Central Asia.

1855 H. H. WILSON Glass. Indic & Rev. Terms, Malik, ..a master, an owner, ..or a person having a beneficial and hereditary interest in the revenue paid by the cultivators, and responsible to the government for its share; hence, considered applicable. In Beregal, to Zamindars, and in the north-west provinces to the head man of a village.

marabout (1) [Fr. < Arab. murabit] (1) a Moslem hermit or monk. 17 c. (2) a tuft or plume of downy feathers, used to decorate a woman’s dress or headdress. 19 c. These downy feathers are taken from beneath the wings and tails of a stork, said by the Arabs to be a “holy” bird. In the second sense the spelling marabou is common in English though rare in French.; (5) Mohammedan hermit [Arab]

OED : ½½ Marabout. [repr. Arab. مرابط murabit hermit, mork. The mod. Eng. form is from Fr. Cf. Pg. marabute, Sp. marabito.]

(…) A Mohammedan hermit or monk, particularly amongst the Moors and Berbers of North Africa.

A 1623 R. JOBSON in Purchas Pilgrims (1625) II. ix. 1572. Their Marybucks or Bassareas, are their Priest or Religious persons.

mashallah (4) [Ar.], lit., what God has willed.

OED : Mashallah. int. [Arab phrase ماشا الله (sic) ma sha’llah, what God wills (must come to pass).]

An exclamation used by Mohammedans.

1855 in OGILVIE Supp. 1857 DuFFERIN Lett. High Lat. (ed. 3) 148, I..dismissed the disconsolate culprits, with the Asiatic form of condemnation : “Mashallah, you have made your faces white ! Go in peace!”

masjid (2) [Ar.] A mosque; the house of prayer for Mohammedans.; (4) [Ar.]. Islamic mosque. (4) musjid [Ar.] Same as MASJID.

OED : ½½ Masjid. Also musjid. [a. Arab. مسجد masjid (…)

A mosque.

(1854) 204 There are many mosques or musjids in Patna.

mastaba (1) [Arab. mactabah] Hist. an ancient Egyptian tomb, rectangular in plan with a flat top and sloping sides. 19 c.; (4) [Ar.], ancient Egyptian tomb.

OED : ½½ Mastaba(h. [Arab. مصطبة mic- ,mactaba (of Pers. origin).]

(…) A bench, seat.

1603 KNOLLES Hist. Turks (1621) 834 Sitting vpon a pallet, which the Turks call Mastabe.

Moharram (4) Same as MUHARRAM.

OED : ½½ Moharram. [Ar. muharram (lit. “sacred”).]

a. The first month of the Mohammedan year, containing thirty days. b. An annual celebration in this month; originally a period of mourning observed by the Shiites in memory of the “martyrdom” of Hasan and Husain; in India the ceremonies are now rather of a festal than a mournful character, and are shared in not only by Mohammedans generally, but even by many. Hindus.

[1615 BEDWELL. Arab. Trudg. N Ib, Moharram, Muharram, ..the name of the first moneth of the Arabian Kalendar, containing 30 daies.]

monsoon (1) [Obs. Du. <Arabic mausim] a seasonal wind in southern Asia which blows from the south-west in summer and from the north-east in winter. 16 c. the summer monsoon is accompanied by continuous rainfall.

OED : Monsoon. [a. early mod. Du. monssoen, -soyn (Linschoten 1596), a. Pg. moncao, in 16th c. also moucao (Yule), believed to be a. Arab. mausim lit. season, hence monsoon, f. wasama to mark. (…)

(…) A seasonal wind prevailing in southern Asia and especially in the Indian Ocean, which during the period from April to October blows approximately from the south-west, and from October to April from the north-east, the direction being dependent upon periodic changes of temperature in the surrounding land-surfaces. (…)

1584 BARRET in Habluyt’s Voy. (1599) II. i. 278. The times or seasonable windes called Monsons. Ibid. 280 the monson from India for Portugall.

muezzin (1) [Arab. mu’a in] a public crier who calls the faithful of Moslem countries to prayer at the prescribed hours. 16 c. The muezzin is not necessarily an IMAM. The Arabic word is pronounced in different ways in different dialects, and a wide variety of spellings have been current; in the later 19 c. attempts were made to popularize the more correct mueddin, but without success.; (2) [Ar.] In Islam, one who calls the faithful to prayer from a minaret.; (5) Crier who proclaims the time of prayer [Arab]

OED : ½½ Muezzin. [Arab. موذّن (sic) mu’a in, active pple. of ادّن (sic) a a na, 2nd conjug. (frequentative) of a ana to proclaim, f. u n ear. The a forms proceed from the widespread dialectal pronunciation with (z) or (dz) for ( ). Some of the forms appear to be meant for Arab mu in (sic), the pple. of the 4th conjug. of the same vb.]

In Mohammedan countries, a public crier who proclaims the regular hours of prayer from the minaret or the roof of a mosque.

a. 1585 T. WASHINGTON tr. Nicholay’s Voy. III, xxi. 110 b, The Maizins beginne to cry vpon the towres.

mufti (1) [Arab. mufti] (1) a Moslem doctor of religion, esp. the official head of the Turkish Moslem clergy in Constantinople. 16 c. (2) plain clothes worn by someone entitled to wear uniform. 19 c. The relationship of the second meaning to the first is disputed, but there seems to be no doubt that the words are identical.; (5) Teacher of the law; Moslem religious leader of Jerusalem; title of Haj Amin el Husseini assumed in 1930 [Arab]

OED : ½½ Mufti [Arab. مفتى (sic) mufti, active pple. of afta (4th conjug. of fata) to give a FETWA or decision on a point of law.]

A Mohammedan priest or expounder of the law; in Turkey restricted to the official head of the religion of the state (formerly often Grand Mufti) and to deputies appointed by him in some of the larger cities.

1586 T.B. La Primaud. Fr. Acad. I. (1594) 631. The Muphtie is chief of the religion and looketh unto matters of conscience.

mullah (1) [Hind mulla < Arab. maula] a Moslem learned in theology or law. 17 c. The Turkish form molla has given rise to English mollah, etc., but these forms seem to be obsolete.; (4) [Ar. maula], one learned in Islamic laws and dogmas.; (5) Mohammedan theologian [Arab]

OED : Mullah. [a. Pers., Turk., and Urdu mulla, corrupt pronunciation of Arab. maula (which some of the earlier forms directly presents).]

A title given among Mohammedans to one learned in theology and sacred law.

1613 PURCHAS Pilgrimage (1614) 477. The Mulla’s, or Priests of the Mogores.



muslim (5) True believer; Moslem [Arab]

OED: Muslim: see MOSLEM.











musnud (4) [Anglo-Ind.; Hind. & Ar. masnad], large cushion; throne.

OED : ½½ Musnud. [Urdu masnad, a. Arab. misnad, f. sanada to lean against].

A seat mode of cushion, esp. one used as a throne by the native princes of India.

1763 R. ORME Hist. Milit. Trans. I. iv. 254. Salabat-jing..went through the ceremony of sitting on the Musnud or throne in public.

nadir (1) [Arab. nadir (sic) “apposite to”] the point in the celestial sphere opposite the zenith and therefore directly beneath the observer; hence, the lowest point, the place or time of greatest degradation. 15 c.

OED : Nadir. [= F., Sp., Pg., and It. nadir, ad. Arab.نظير nadir apposite to, over against (also used as sb.) (…)]

(…) A point in the heavens diametrically opposite to some other point, esp. to the sun. (…)

c. 1391 CHAUCER Astrol. II. 6 The nadir of the sonne is thilke degree bat is opposite to the degree of the sonne, in the 7 signe, as thus, euery degree of aries bi order is nadir to euery degree of libra by order. Ibid. 6 be bygynnyng of the 7 hows is nadir of the Assendent, & the bygynnyng of the hows is nadir of the 2.

nazir (4) [Hind. and Ar.], orig., an inspector; a native official of a civil court; also, the warden of a mosque : India.

OED : ½½ Nazir [a. Pers. or Urdu (from Arab.) ناظر nazir superintendent, inspector, etc., cf. nazar sight, vision.]

The title of various officials in Mohammedan countries; a native official in Anglo-Indian courts.

1678 J. PHILIPS Tavernier’s Trav. I.1. 42. The King advanc’d him to the Office of Nazar, or Grand Master of the House.

nizam (4) [Hind., Turk. and Ar.], lit., order; arrangement; Turkey, soldier (or soldiers) of the Turkish regular army; India, administrator; viceroy, esp. under the Moguls.--Nizam, title of the ruling prince of Hyderabad, formerly the largest native state in India.; (5) Nizam. Ruler of Hyderabad; Turkish army or soldier [Arab]

OED : ½½ Nizam [Urdu and Turkish نظام nizam, ad. Arab. nidam, order, disposition, arrangement, etc.; in sense 1 used as an abbreviation of the title nizam-al-mulk “governor of the empire”.].

(…) The hereditary title of the rulers of Hyderabad belonging to the dynasty founded by Asaf Jah, Subahdar of the Decca from 1713-48.

[1601] R. JOHNSON Kingd. & Commw. (1603) 45 Nizzamuluk and Idalcam (for so the Portugals call the two princes of Decon).

qibla (2) [Ar.] In Islam, that direction which faces the holy city of Mecca; also, that wall in a mosque which faces in this direction.

OED Supplement : qibla(h var. KIBLAH in Dic. and Suppl.

((See OED : Kiblah in the main body of the paper)).

qoran (5) See Koran.

((See OED : Koran in the main body of this study).

Ramadan (1) [Arab. ramadan] Rel. the annual thirty days fast in the ninth month of the Moslem year. 17 c. Ramadan requires complete abstention from food and drink between sunrise and sunset; smoking is also forbidden. The farm Ramazan from the Persian is also occ. used.; (4) [Ar.], ninth month of the Muslim year; also, the great religious fast held during this period, from dawn to sunset.; (5) Ninth month of the Mohammedan year; period of fasting [Arab]

OED : ½½Ramadan. [a. Arab. رمضان ramadan (hence Turk. and Pers. ramazan), f. ramada to be heated or hot (see note to def.).]

The ninth month of the Mohammedan year, rigidly observed as a thirty days fast, during the hours of daylight, by all Mohammedans.

The lunar reckoning of the Mohammedan calendar brings the fast eleven days earlier each year, so that in a cycle of about thirty-three years it passes through all the seasons successively; but it is supposed originally to have been one of the hot months.

a. 1601 W. BIDDULPH in T. Lavender Trav. Four Englishmen (1612) 95. The Turkes Ramadan, which is their Lent, being ended.

rayah (5) Flock; non-Mohammedan Turkish subject [Arab]

OED : ½½ Rayah. Also raiah, raya. [a. Arab. رعيّة ra iyah flock or herd, subjects, peasants, f. رعي (sic) ra a to pasture or feed. (…)] A non-Mohammedan subject of the Sultan of Turkey, subject to payment of the toll-tax (…).

1813 BYRON Br. Abydos II.xx, To snatch the Rayahs from their fate.

razzia (5) Raid; plundering or slave-collecting expedition [Arab]

OED : ½½ Razzia [a. F. razzia, ad. Algerian Arab. غازية ghaziah, var. Arab. ghazwah, ghazah war, battle, military expedition, raid against infidels, f. ghasw (sic) to make war. Cf. Pg. gazia, gaziva, from the same source.

The initial r of the French form represents a pron. of the Ar. غـ approaching to a guttural r (ghr) also indicated in the farm ghrazzie formerly used by some English writers : -

1821 CAPT. LYON Trav. N. Africa vi 262 None but the Bedouins appear to approve of these ghrazzies.

rebab (5) A type of stringed musical instrument [Arab]

OED Supplement : rebab [a. colloq. Arab. rebab, classical Arab. rabab in the same sense (…) ]

A plucked or bound stringed instrument of Arabian origin, now in use in North Africa and the Middle East, and among the Islamic population of the Indian sub-continent, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

(…) 1738 T. SHAW Trav. Barbary and Levant 270. They [sc. the Moors] have the Rebebb, a Violin of two Strings, which is played upon with a Bow : the A-Oude, a Bass double stringed Lute, bigger than our Viol., which is touched with a Plectrum.

ruba’i (5) Ancient Arabic verse-form; song [Arab]

OED Supplement : ½½ ruba i. Also ruba iy. Pl. rubaiyat. [Arabic

ruba iyah, f. ruba iy composed of four elements.]

In Persian poetry, a quatrain.

The pl. is chiefly familiar in the title of the work by Omar Khayyam (…), known to English speakers in FitzGerald’s version.

1859 E. FITZGERALD Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam p.xii, The Original Rubaiyat (as, missing an Arabic Guttural, these Tetrastichs are more musically called), are independent Stanzas, consisting each of four Lines of equal, though varied Prosody; sometimes all rhyming, but often (as here attempted) the third line suspending the Cadence by which the last atones with the former Two.

safari (4) [Ar.], lit., trip; hunting expedition, usually for big game.

OED Supplement : safari, sb. Also sefari. [Swahili, journey, expedition, f. Arab. safar journey.]

(…) A journey, a cross-country expedition, often lasting days or weeks; oring. in E. Africa and on foot, especially for hunting; now often with motorized vehicles, for tourism, adventure, or scientific investigation. Often in phr. on safari.

1860 Harper’s Mag. Oct. 630/I Safari ! safari los ! a journey, a journey to-day !

sahib (1) [Hind. cahib “friend” < Arab] A.-I a European gentleman. 17 c. Used by native servants to address their masters; also added after a name as a title of respect equivalent to English Mr. Cf. (…) MEMSAHIB.; (4) sahib or saheb [Hind & Ar.], orig. (in Arabic), friend; (in Hindustani), lord; ruler; master; gentleman; a title of respect equivalent to Sir or Mr., formerly used by natives in addressing or referring to an Englishman or other European, and placed after the surmame or office; as, Morton Sahib, Colonel Sahib; also used after titles of rank; as Raja Sahib. ( …); (5) Friend; native title for Europeans in India [Arab]

OED : ½½ Sahib [Urdu, use of Arab. صاحب cahib, orig. “Friend”.]

A respectful title used by the natives of India in addressing an Englishman or other European (=“Sir”); also, in native use, an Englishman, a European. Also affixed as a title (equivalent to “Mr.” prefixed) to the name or office of a European.

1609 OVINGRON Voy. Surrat 326. Thus the distracted Husband .. often in his Indian English confest, English fashion, sab, best fashion have, one Wife best for one husband.

sahiba (4) [Hind & Ar.], a lady; mistress; madam : India.

OED : (Not there as a separate entry, but under Sahib.) “So Sa.hiba(h [Arab. cahiba ], mistress, lady.

1849 E. B. EASTWICK Dry Leaves 88 What calamity is this that the Madam Sahebah is so fond of !

sais (4) [Hind. & Ar.]. Same as SYCE.

OED : Sais : see SAY and SEE v.; var. SYCE.

OED Supplement : sais, sais, varr. SYCE. (…) Also [a. Arab. Sa’is] in African and Asian use.

1887 KIPLING Plain Tales from Hills (1888) 28. He .. deserned a V.C., if it were only for putting on a sais’s blanket.

((See syce in the main body of the paper.))





sakhia (2) [Ar.] In Middle Eastern countries, a water wheel driven by oxen.

((See sakia.))



sakia

OED : ½½ Sakia [Ar. ساقية Saqiya , fem. pr. pple. of saqa to irrigate. In North Africa the q is pronounced (g), whence the form sageer.]

A machine for drawing water for irrigation, consisting of a large vertical wheel to which a number of earthen pots are attached, and to which motion is imparted by a horizontal wheel turned by oxen and asses.

1687 A. LOVELL tr. Thevenot’s Trav. I.139. English Sakis turned all by Oxen, that discharge Water into a great Bason.

salaam (1) [Hind. salam “peace” < Arab.] an oriental salutation, a low obeisance with the palm of the right hand on the forehead; to make such an obeisance. 17 c. Properly Arab. (as-)salam alaikum “peace he upon you”. The same root s-l-m appears in ISLAM., (2) [Ar.] In Moslem countries, a greeting or salutation; also a deep bow to the ground; an obeisance.; (4) salaam or salam [Ar.], lit., peace; ceremonious salutation; obeisance; compliment or compliments.--salaam aleikum, peace be unto (or with) you: Muslim salutation.; (5) Peace [Arab]

OED : Salaam [Arab. سلام salam (hence in Pers. and Urdu) = Heb. (…) shalom peace.]

The oriental salutation (as)salam ( alaikum), Peace (be upon you). Hence applied to a ceremonious obeisance with which this salutation is accompanied, consisting (in India) of a low bowing of the head and body with the palm of the right hand placed on the forehead.

1613 PURCHAS Pilgrimage (1614), 546. He..presenteth himselfe to the people to receive thin Salames or good morrow.

salaam aleikum (2) [Ar.] Peace be on you; used as a greeting.; (3) Salaam aleikum [Sah-lahm ah-lay-koom] Arabic -- Peace be on you. A Moslem greeting, spoken with a bow while the right hand is placed on the forehead. (…)

((See salaam above.))



sayyid (2) See “sayid”. (2) sayid [Ar.] A Moslem descended from mohammad.

OED : ½½ Sayyid. [Ar. سيّد sayyid, lit. “lord”, “prince”.

(…). In Mohammedan countries, the title given to a man who is supposed to trace his descent from Husain, the elder grandson of the Prophet.

1788 BURKE Sp. agst. W. Hastings Wks. 1821 VII. 91 He was a Syed, that is to say, a descendant of Mahomed.

serdab (2) [Ar.] In ancient Egypt, a hidden chamber in a tomb or pyramid where portraits of the deceased were stored.; (4) [Ar.], lit. ice cellar; a secret chamber in an ancient Egyptian tomb, usually containing a statue of the deceased.

OED : ½½ Serdab [Pers. (hence Arab.) سرداب serdab grotto, ice-house, cellar.]

a. In Western Asia, a cellar or underground chamber. b. In Egypt, a secret passage or chamber in an ancient tomb.

a. 1842 W. F. AINSWORTH Trav. Asia Minor, etc. II. 331. The foundations, cellars, or serdabs, ..were generally all that remained. b. 1877 MISS A. B. EDWARDS Up Nile iv. 92. This tomb..also contains a secret passage of the kind that M. Mariette calls a serdab. These serdabs are constructed in the thickness of walls and have no entrances.

shadoof (1) [Arab. shaduf] a primitive device used in Egypt to facilitate irrigation, consisting of a shoft loosely fastened in the middle to the top of a fixed pole, with a bucket at one end and a counter-weight at the other. 19c.

OED : Shadoof [Egyptian Arabic شادوف Shaduf]. A contrivance used in the East for raising water for irrigation purposes, consisting of a rod or pole working upon a pivot, at one end of which is fastened a bucket and the other a weight to serve as a counterpoise.

1836 LANE Mod. Egypt. xiv. (1809) 300. The most common of these machines is the “shadoof”.

shaitan (4) [Hind. & Ar.], Satan; the Devil; an evil spirit; colloq., a devilish person or animal.

OED : ½½ Shaitan [Arab. شيطان shaitan corruptly a. Heb. satan SATAN.]

(…) The Devil, Satan; an evil spirit.

1638 SIR HERBERT Trav. (ed. 2) 241 Ozman in his parody assumes them, the Devil (Shaitan they call him) ever diets so.



sheikh (1) [Arab. shaikh “old man”] the chief of an Arab family or tribe, the headman of an Arab village. 16 c. Numerous different spellings have been used in English, but sheikh is now well established; to substitute shaikh is merely pedantry; (5) Chief [Arab] ; (4) sheik [Ar. shaikh] lit., old or venerable man; tribal leader in Arabia and other Arab lands.

OED : ½½ Sheikh [Arabic شيخ Shaikh properly “old man”, f. shakha to grow or be old. Cf. OF. esceque, Seic, F. Cheik, Scheik, Sp. jeque, Pg. xeque.]

(…) The chief of an Arab family or tribe; the headman of an Arabian village; an Arab chief; an Eastern governor, prince, king. Now also used among Arabs as a general title of respect.

1577 Eden’s Hist. Trav. 331b, the kyng of Persia is called Siech Ismael, whom the Italians call the Gualizador or Sophi.

shereef or sherif (4) [Ar.], Moslem prince, chieftain, or high dignitary.

OED : ½½ Shereef [Arab شريف sharif noble, glorious, f. sharafa (sic) to be exalted.]

A descendant of Mohamed through his daughter Fatima. In some of the early quots. taken spec. for a Mohammedan priest.

1599 HAKLUYT Voy. II. 104 Wee..tooke a Pangaia of the Moors, which had a priest of theirs in it, which in their language they call a Sherife.

Shiah (5) Mohammedan sect; person adhering to Shia doctrine [Arab]

OED : ½½ Shia [Arab. شيعة Shi a sect, f. root sha a, in the third conjugation (…) Arab. شيعىّ (sic) shiya iy a member of the Shiah sect, a Shiite.]

(…) a. Properly (but in Eng. somewhat rarely) used as a collective name for that one of the two great Mohammedan sects (chiefly represented by the Persians) which differs from the Sunnites or orthodox Mohammedans chiefly in maintaining that Ali (Mohammed’s cousin and son-in-law) was the true successor of the prophet, the three first caliphs of the Sunnites being regarded as usurpers. b. Commonly, an adherent of this sect, a Shiite.

1626 METHOLD in Purchas Pilgrimage (ed. 4) 995. He is by Religion a Mahumetan, discended from Persian Ancestors, retayneth their opinions, which differing in many points from the Turkes, are distinguished in their Sects by tearmes of Seaw and Sunnee.

sidi (5) Chieftain [Arab]

OED : ½½Sidi [a. Urdu sidi, Marathi siddhi, ad. Arab. sayyidi," my lord”: see SAYYID.]

Originally a title of honour given in Western India to African Mohammedans holding high position under the kings of the Deccan; in later use, an African, a negro. Now chiefly in comb. sidi-boy.

1615 W. BEDWELL Arab. Trudgman, Seedi, a name or title of honour, yet attributed vnto meane persons.

simoom [Arab. semum] a hot dry sand-laden wind which periodically sweeps across the Arabian and Oriental deserts. 18 c.

OED : ½½Simoom [a. Arab. سموم Semum, f. the root samm (sic) to poison. With the form simoon f. F. semoum, simoum.].

A hot, dry, suffocating sand-wind which sweeps across the African and Asiatic deserts at intervals during the spring and summer.

a. 1790 BRUCE Trav. IV. 559. The simoom..still continued to blow, as to exhaust us entirely.

sirocco / scirocco (1) [It. scirocco < Arab. Sharq “East”] a hot, humid, oppressive wind blowing from the south or south-east across the Mediterranean to southern Europe. 17 c. The better form scirocco is less common in English than sirocco. Cf. KHAMSIN.

OED : Sirocco [a. It. sirocco, scirocco (also scilocco), = Sp. Siroco (also xaloque), Pg. xarouco, Prov. siroc, older F. siroc, siroch (also siloc, sciloque, etc.), ad. Arab. شرق sharq east, f. sharaqa (the sun) rose.

An oppressively hot and blighting wind, blowing from the worth coast of Africa over the Mediterranean and affecting parts of Southern Europe (where it is also moist and depressing). Usually with the.

a. 1617 MORYSON Itin. I. 211. The South-East wind (which the Italians call syrocco) did blow very contrary to us.

sufi (5) Pantheist [Arab]

OED : ½½ Sufi [a. Ar. صوفى (sic) cufi lit. “man of wool”, f صوف cuf wool (see Margoliouth Early Devel. Mohamm., 1914, 141). Cf. F. sofi, soufi. (...)

One of a set of Mohammedan ascetic mystics who in later times embraced pantheistic views.

1653 GREAVES, Seraglio 178. Those Turks which..would be accounted Sofees [marg. Puritans] do commonly read, as they walk along the streets.

Sunna (1) [Arab. Sunnah] the body of traditional sayings attributed to Mahomet and not contained in the Koran. 18 c. Cf. HADITH.

OED : ½½ Sunna [a. Arab. سنّة sunna (sunnat) form, way, course, rule.] The body of traditional sayings and customs attributed to Mohammed and supplementing the Koran. (cf. SUNNI (…)

[1687 A. LOVELL tr. Thevenot’s Trav. I. 48. The difference which they put betwixt that time which God commanded, and the two times of Mahomet, Sunnet.].

Sunni (5) An orthodox Moslem [Arab]

OED : ½½ Sunni [a. Arab. سنّى (sic) sunni lawful, f. SUNNA.]

collect. The orthodox Mohammedans, who accept the Sunna as of equal authority with the Koran. Also sing. an orthodox Mohammedan, a Sunnite.

1626 [see SHIAH].

sura or surah (4) [Ar.], a chapter of the Koran, of which there are 114 : Islam. Cf. FATIHA.; (1) surah [Arab. surah] a chapter of the Koran. 20 c. In much earlier use (17 c.) in the form assora from Arab. as-surah with the definite article. The same farm is also used to denote a twilled silk fabric, but it is unlikely that there is any connection with the Arabic word.

OED : ½½ Sura [a. Arab. سوره (sic) Sura . Cf. F. Sura, surate. (The earliest examples represent the ward with the def. art. prefixed, assura .)]

[1615 W. BEDWELL Moham. Impost. II. 45. Teach me...out of the law of our Prophet, out of euery Assora of the same, some certaine perfections. Ibid. O iij, this booke is deuided into sundry sections or Chapters, which they call Assurats, or Azoara’s.

a ravine or valley which in the rainy season becomes a watercourse; the stream or torrent running through such a ravine.

1839 KINNER Cairo, Petra & Damascus iii. (1841) 93 Our route..continued among narrow rockey wadies of a less desolate appearance.

Syce (1) [ Hind. sa is < Arab.] A. 1. A groom, a running footman. 17 c. The use of the spelling sais in English is pedantic. ; (2) [Ar.] In India, a groom; a horse trainer.

OED: [Hind. = Arab. sa is f. sus (sic)to tend a horse.]

A servant who attends to horses, a groom; also, an attendant who follows on foot a mounted horseman or a carriage.

1653 GREAVES Seraglio 141 The .. Master of the horse hath the charge .. of all his other horses, mules, camels, and all his cattle .. having .. many ordinary grooms which are to look to them, and see that the Seises keep them in good case.

((See sais above.))

tabor (5) Tambourine [Arab]

OED: Tabor, tabour [a. OF. tabur (11th c.) tabour (13-16th c.), beside tanbor, tambur (14-15th c.), tambour (16 th c. --) = Pr. tabor, tambor, Sp. tambor (O Sp. atambor) , It. tamburo : the relations between the forms in -ta and those in tam-, tan- have not been carefully determined. The word is held to be of Oriental origin, and has been compared with Pers. تبيره tabira, تبوراك taburak, both meaning “drum” , and with Arab. طنبور tanbur a kind of lute or lyre. The actual history is uncertain. (…)

(…) the earlier name of the drum; in later use (esp. since the introduction of the name drum in the 16th c.), A small kind of drum, used chiefly as an accompaniment to the pipe or trumpet; a taborin or tabret. Now Hist. arch. or poetic.

Three. 1290 Beket 1851 in S. Eng. Lang. I. 159 Of bellene and of tabours so gret was e soun.

tamasha (1) [Hind. tamasha < Arab.] A. I. (1) an entertainment, a public function; hence (2) fuss and bother, a commotion, 19 c. ; (2) [Ar.] A parade; a spectacle; an extravagant pageant.; (5) Show; function; occasion [Arab]

OED : ½½Tamasha East Ind. [a. Arab., Pers., Urdu تماشا tama a walking about for recreation or amusement, an entertainment f. 6th conj. of مشى

ma a(y) (sic) to walk.]

An entertainment, show, display, public function.

[1687 A. LOVELL tr. Thevenot Trav. II. 90 They stop at the meanest thing, to do that which they call Tamacha, (that’s to say,) to consider and admire it.]

tarboosh (1) [Arab. tarbush] a Moslem cap of red felt with a tassel at the top, a fez. 18 c. ; (5) Taseled skull-cap [Arab]

OED : ½½Tarboosh. (…) [a. Arabic طربوس (sic) tarbush; so called in Egypt (Freytag); in F. tarbouch.]

A cap of cloth or felt (almost always red) with a tassel (usually of blue silk) attached to the top, worn by Mohammedans either by itself or as part of the turban; the fez is the Turkish form.

1702 W. J. tr. Bruyn’s Voy. Levant xx. 91 This Tarpous, which serves the women as head-dress, is a large Cap of Six or eight Quarters, made of Cloth of Gold.

tell (2) [Ar.] A hill; a mound.

OED : ½½Tell (tel), (…) Also tel. [a. Arab. تلّ tall a hillock.]

The Arab name for an artificial hillock or mound, usually one covering the ruins of an ancient city.

1864 W. F. AINSWORTH Comm. Xenophon’s Anabasis 285 The hill.. appears to have been one of the numerous artificial mounds, topes, or hills, sometimes sepulchral, sometimes heaps of ruins, which abound on the plain of Babylonia.

Ulema (5) Scholars of the sacred law of the Moslems [Arab]

OED : ½½Ulema [a. Arab. (also Turk. And Pers.) علما (sic) ulema pl. of عالم alim knowing, learned, f. alama (sic) to know. Hence also Sp. Ulema, Pg. Ulemas, F. Ulema.]

(…) pl. or collect. Those who have had special training in the knowledge of Mohammedan religion and law, and are regarded by Moslems as the authorities on these matters; spec. the body of Mohammedan doctors under the leadership of the Sheik-ul-islam, which exercises great political influence in the Turkish empire.

1688 Lond. Gaz. No. 2313/2 The next day was a great Consultation held with the Ulemi or Interpreters of the Law.

vali (1) [Turk.< Arab. vali] the civil governor of a Turkish province or VILAYET. 18 c.

OED : ½½ Vali [Turk. (Arab.) وليّ vali Cf. WALI.]

A civil governor of a Turkish province or vilayet.

The form valie occurs in the trans. of Chardin s Coronat Solyman (1686) 34.

1753 HANWAY Trav. (1762) II. V. iii. 139 Vachtanga..ought..to have succeeded him in the dignity of vali of Georgia.

vilayet (1) [Turk. < Arab. welayeh] a Turkish province ruled by a VALI. 19 c. ; (5) Turkish province; district [Arab]

OED : ½½ Vilayet. Also wilayet. [Turkish, ad. Ar. ولاية welaye , yet district, dominion.]

A province of the Turkish empire ruled by a vali, or governor-general.

1869 Times 15 Oct. Those Ottoman subjects who have passed an examination..will be admitted for three years as boarders to the Lyceum in each chief town of a vilayet.

vizir (5) Mohammedan minister of State [Arab]

OED : Vizier (…) 6-9 [[i.e. 16-19th c.]] vizir (…) [ad. Turk. vezir, a. Arabic وزير wazir, wezir, orig. a porter, hence one who bears the burden of government, a minister or lieutenant of a king, f. wazara to carry, carry on. Cf. visir, visir, Sp. visir, Pg. visir, vizir, It. visire. (…)

(…) In the Turkish empire, Persia, or other Mohammedan country : A high state official or minister, freq. one invested with vice-regal authority; a governor or viceroy of a province; now esp. the chief minister of the sovereign

One. 1562 J. SHUTE tr. Cambini’s Turk. Wars II. 13 b, The Turcke vnto him all his consellours called in the Turkish tongue Vesiri, & all his Bassas.

Two. wadi (1) [Arab. wadi] a dry water-course, a gully. 19 c. (…) ; (2) [Ar.] In the Middle East, a river valley; a river bed.

OED : ½½ Wadi, wady. Pl. wadies, wadis, wadys. [Arab. وادى (sic) wadi.] In certain Arabic-speaking countries, a ravine or valley which in the rainy season becomes a watercourse; the stream or torrent running through such a ravine.

1839 KINNEAR Cairo, Petra & Damascus iii. (1841) 93 Our route.. continued among narrow rockey wadis of a less desolate appearance.

wali (2) [Ar.] In Islam, a saint; a holy man.

OED : ½½ Wali [Arab. والى wali (classical Arabic وال walin), subst. use of pres. pple. Of wala (sic) to be foremost.]

The governor of a province : = VALI.

1811 tr. Niebuhr’s Trav. Arab. lxxxiv. in J. Pinkerton Coll. Voy. x. 107 Every pretty district..has its governor. If not a prince, or one of the higher nobility, this governor is called Wali and Dola.

yashmak (1) [Arab. yashmaq] the veil concealing the face below the eyes, worn by Moslem women in public. 19 c.; (2) [Ar.] A cloth veil worn in public by Moslem women to conceal their faces.; (5). Moslem women’s veil [Arab]

OED : Yashmak [Arab. يشمق yashmak.]

The double veil concealing the part of the face below the eyes, worn by Mohammedan women in public.

1844 KINGLAKE Eothen iii. 47 note, The yashmak..is not a mere, semi-transparent veil, but rather a good substantial petticoat applied to the face.

zabeta (2) [Ar.] A rule; a law; a regulation; also a tariff.

OED : ½½ Zaptieh [Turkish ضبطية dabtiyeh, f. Arab. ضبط dabt administration, regulation]

A Turkish policeman.

1869 TOZER Highl. Turkey II.100 A young Turkish Zaptie, or policeman.





zarf (4) [Ar.], lit., sheath or case; a metallic stand for a finjan, or Oriental coffee cup.

OED : ½½ Zarf, zurf. [Arab., = vessel.]

A cup-shaped holder for a hot coffee-cup, used in the Levant, usually of metal and of ornamental design.

1836 LANE Mod. Egypt. I. 168 Zurf.

zariba (5) Protective hedge or paradise [Arab]. ; (1) zareba [Arab. zaribah] a breast-work made of thornbushes for defence against enemies or wild animals. 19 c. ; (2) zareba [Ar.] A shelter; a pen; a small stockade.

OED : ½½ Zariba [Ar. زريبة zariba pen or enclosure for cattle (زرب zarb sheep-fold).]

In the Soudan and adjacent parts of Africa, A fence or inclosure, usually constructed of thorn-bushes, for defence against the attacks of enemies or wild beasts; a fenced or fortified camp.

1849 O’REILLY tr. Werne’s Exped. Sources White Nile II. 112. A shining seriba of reeds, the stalks of which..perhaps only afford resistance to tame animals.



APPENDIX I

adalat (4) [Hind. and Ar.], a court of justice.

Allah akbar (4) [Ar.], God is great.; (2) Allahu akbar [Ar.] God is great; (3) Allahu akbar [Al-lah-hoo uk-bar] Arabic -- God is most great.

al mana (5) The measure [Arab]

al ud (5) A type of lute [Arab]

arud (5) Science of prosody [Arab]

astagh-fer Allah ! (4) [Turk. and Ar.], God forbid !

bairam (4) [Ar.], a Moslem festival.

((There is a reference in OED; derived from Turkish, 1599.))

djellaba / djellaba (1) [Fr. < Arab. jilyab] a cloak with a hood and wide sleeves, worn in Algeria and Morocco. 20 c.

djibbah (1) [Arab. jubbah] a long straight cloth coat, open in front, with long sleeves, worn by Moslems; a similar garment worn as an affectation by European women. 19 c. The English spelling reflects the pronunciation of Egyptian Arabic.

((In OED Supplement, there is an entry djebba, djibba(h, but no reference to Arabic at all; the first recorded occurrence dates back to 1896).

djinn (4) [Ar.], spirit; genie.

djinnee (1), f. djinneeyeh, pl. djinn [Arab. jinni] Myth. a supernatural being of a lower order than the angels, able to appear in human form and to benefit or injure men. 17 c. The plural djinn is often used as a singular. The singular djinnee is sometimes written genie, and the unrelated genii (plural of GENIUS is used as its plural.

gule (5) Rose [Arab]

((According to OED, derived from languages other than Arabic; not in Supplement.).

hadith (1), pl. hadithat [Arab. hadio] Rel. the body of tradition about Mahomet, which forms an appendix to the Koran called SUNNA. 19 c. ; (2) [Ar.] the religious traditions attributed to Mohammed.

haimakam (1) [Turk. < Arab. qaim maqam “lieutenant”] a deputy governor in the Turkish administrative system. 17 c.

haleeb (2) [Ar.] Milk.

hennin (5). High, cone-shaped head-dress worn by women in the 15th century, generally with a long veil [Arab]

((There is an entry in OED but not related to Arabic.))

hukm (4) [Hind. and Ar.], order; command : India.

huzur (4) [Ar.], lit., presence; a respectful form of address equivalent to your honour : India.

Id al-Fitr (3) [ah-eed al-fuhtr] Arabic -- Breaking of the fast; Moslem festival celebrated on the day after the month-long fast of Ramadan.

iman (Sic.) (5) Mohammedan priest; prince having spiritual power [Arab]

imshi (1) [Arab. “Walk !”] go away !, be off ! 20 c.; (2) [Ar.] Go away; get out; used as an exclamation.; (4) imshi ! [Ar.] go away ! be off !

inshallah (2) [Ar.] God willing; if God so desires.

jambiya (2) [Ar.] a double-edge dagger with a rib running down the center of the blade.

Kaaba (2) [Ar.] the most holy building in the Moslem city of Mecca, containing the sacred black stone, the main object of Moslem pilgrimage.

kasbah (1) [Arab. qas(a)bah] the palace-citadel of an Arab chieftain in North Africa; the district surrounding such a citadel; hence, the native quarter in a North African town 20 c.

kebab (1) [Turk < Arab. kabab] Cul. one of a variety of Oriental dishes consisting of meat cut into small pieces, seasoned, and roasted. 17 c. The Turkish spelling is now the current one; but formerly various spellings reflecting the Arabic form were in use, such as cabob, Kabob. Now often used as an abbreviation for SHISH KEBAB. (…).

kharif (4) [Hind & Ar.], autumn; autumnal harvest, as of rice and cotton : India (…).

khatib (4) [Ar.], Muhammedan priest.

khelwat (2) [Ar.] Privacy; seclusion; also, a private conversation or interview.

kitab (4) [Hind. & Ar.], book; Muham. law, book of revealed religion.

La ilaha illa Allah (3) [lah eel - ah - hah eel-ah ah-lah] Arabic--There is no God but Allah.

maidan (2) [Ar.] In middle eastern countries, a large open space used as a market place and for parades, festivals, games, and public gatherings.

((No reference in OED to Arabic, but there is reference to Persian. The earliest quote dates back to 1625).

marhaba (4) [Ar.] health; to your health.

memsahib (1) [ma’am + Hind. cahib “friend” < Arab]. A.-1. a European married woman. 19 c. This curious hybrid is the normal term by which Indian servants address or refer to their European mistress. Cf. SAHIB.

((See sahib and sahiba in the main body of the article).

misra (5) Metrical unit in poetry [Arab]

murshid (4) [Ar.], Islamic religions leader.

mutaquarib (5) Metrical form in poetry [Arab]

nawab (4) [Hind & Ar.], orig. viceregent or governor; title of a Muhammedan ruling prince; also a courtesy title conferred by the government upon Mohammedans of high rank but without office : India.; (5) Native ruler or nobleman in India [Arab]

((OED has an entry for the word, which attributes it to Urdu.))

nazim (4) [Ar.], administrator; military governor : India.

nbeeth (2) [Ar.]. Wine.

nefyr (5) A type of trumpet [Arab]

qahwah (2) [Ar.] Coffee.

raki (2) [Turkish from Ar.] An intoxicating drink distilled from grains and grapes.

OED : Raki [a. Turkish راقي raqi (whence also mod. Gr. (…) brandy, spirits.)

ramal (5) Metrical form in Arabic poetry [Arab]

rebeck (5) Ancient three-string violin [Arab]

(In both OED and Supplement but no reference to Arabic).

Rubaiyat (5) Pl. of rubai; poems by Ommar Khayyam (d. 1123), translated by Edward Fitzgerald (1859- 1868) [Arab]

((See ruba’i in the main body of the paper).

sakka (2) [Ar.] A water carrier.

sha’ir (5) Poet; knower [Arab]

shahin or shaheen (4) [Hind & Ar.], Indian falcon.

((In OED but derived from Urdu; 1839.))

sharab (4) [Hind and Ar.], wine, spirit : generic word.

Sheria (5) Sacred Moslem law, including the Koran and the sayings of Mohammed [Arab]

shintiyan (4) [Ar. shintian], a kind of loose trousers worn by Muslim women.

shish kebab (5). Broiled filets of lamb [Arab]

((OED has an entry for shish.))

shufti/shufty (1) [Arab. shuf “look !”] have a look !; a look (at something). 20 c. The origin of the English form is not clear. The earliest usage seems to be in the phase shufti BINT “an Egyptian woman willing to indulge in erotic exhibitionism”; the word may be a combination of the repeated shuf ! used by such a woman, with the English ending -ty as in shifty, flighty, etc.

souk (1) [Arab. suq] an oriental market-place, a BAZAAR. 19 c; (2) [Ar.] In Middle Eastern countries, a bazaar or marketplace; the commercial sector of a city, often characterized by canopied streets and outdoor displays of merchandise.

Subahadar (1) [Hind. cubah dar < Arab. cubah “province”+ Pers. dar “master”] (…) the governor of an Indian province; the native warrant - officer of a company of SEPOYS. 17 c.

((OED : derived from Urdu and Persian.))

wafd (1) [Arab. “deputation”] the Egyptian Nationalist party founded by Zaghlul Pasha in 1919. 20 c. The name is derived from the deputation to the British High Commissioner led by Zaghlul Pasha at the foundation of the party; (5) Wafd. Delegation; Nationalist Party of Egypt [Arab]

zamar (5) Oboe [Arab]

zayim (5) Chief; leader [Arab].



APPENDIX II

NATURALIZED WORDS

al ال (أداة التعريف)

Allah الله

almah, alma, almeh "عالمه" / "علمه" (عامية)



amir أمير

amir al أمير ال_

arak, arrak العرق (مشروب مسكر)

assegai رمح نحيل

azan أذان

bedouin بدوي

bint بنت

bulbulبلبل

caliph خليفة

carafe الغرّافة (إبريق زجاجي)

dervish درويش

dragoman ترجمان

elixir إكسير

emir أمير

fakir فقير

farashفرّاش

fellahفلاّح

fleucca فلوكه (عامية)

ghawazi غواز / غوازي (عامية)

harem حريم

Islam الإسلام

jinn الجن

kafir كافر

Koranالقرآن

loofaلوفة

macram مكرميه

mashallah ماشاء الله

monsoon ريح موسمية

mullah ملاّ (فقيه)

nadir نظير

qiblaالقبلة

rebab ربابة (آلة موسيقية)

safari سفاري

sais سائس

salaam سلام

shadoofشادوف

sirocco / sciroccoالشروق

syceسائس

taborدفّ (آلة موسيقية)

vizir وزير

yashmakيشمك



APPENDIX III

WORDS ACCORDING TO IMMEDIATE

SOURCE LANGUAGE



ARABIC

al; Allah; almah/alma/alme; amir; araba; arak/arrak; azan

bint; bismillah

cadi

dahabeeyah; dewan (and Persian)

emir

fakir; Fatiha; fellah; finjan

ghawazi; ghazi

hadj; hadji or haji; haik; hakeem; hakim; hamal or hammal; hammam; harem; hashish; hookah

ihram; imam; Islam

jihad; jinn; jinnee; jubbah or jubba

kafir; kef; keffiyeh; khamsin; Khan; khor; Khutbah; kiblah; kohl; Koran

loofah (Egyptian)

madrasa; Mahdi; malik; marabout; mashallah; masjid; mastaba; Moharram; muezzin; mufti

Ramadan; rayah; rebab (colloquial); rubai

sahiba; sais; sakia; salaam; sayyid; shadoof (Egyptian); shaitan; sheikh; shereef or sherif; Shia; simoom; sufi; Sunna; Sunni; sura or surah

tamasha; tarboosh; tell

Ulema

wadi; wali

yashmak

zarf; zariba

DUTCH

monsoon

FRENCH

assegai

bedouin; burnoose

caliph; carafe; couscous

dragoman

houri

nadir

razzia

tabor

HINDUSTANI

syce (Hind. = Arab.)

ITALIAN

felucca

sirocco / scirocco

LATIN

elixir

hegira / hejira

PERSIAN

bulbul

dervish

ghazal (and Arabic)

howdah (and Urdu)

mullah (and Turkish and Urdu)

nazir (or Urdu)

serdab (hence Arabic)

SPANISH

alcazar

cid

SWAHILI

safari

TURKISH

kismet

macrame

vali [Turkish (Arabic)]; vilayet (and Arabic); vizir

zabeta

URDU

farash

khubber (Persian and Arabic); musnud

nizam (and Turkish)

sahib; sidi



APPENDIX IV

WORDS ACCORDING TO CENTURY



13th c.

tabor

14th c.

caliph

dragoman

elixir

nadir

15th c.

bedouin

Khan

16th c.

arrack

cadi

dervish

hadji or haji; hakeem; hashish; hegira/ hejira

jubbah or jubba

monsoon; muezzin; mufti

sheikh; shereef or sherif

vizir

17th c.

alcazar; amir; assegai

burnoose

cid; couscous

dewan

emir

fakir; farash; felucca; finjan

haik; hakim; hamman; harem

imam

jinn (sing.)

Khamsin; Koran

madrasa; marabout; mastaba; Moharram; mullah

nazir; nizam

Ramadan

sahib; sakia; salaam; shaitan; Shia; sidi; sirocco / scirocco; sufi; Sunna; Sunni; sura or surah; syce

tamasha

Ulema

18th c.

Allah

bulbul

carafe

fellah

ghawazi; ghazi

hadj; hamal or hammal; hookah; howdah; houri

ihram

jinnee

kadi; kiblah; kohl

musnud

rebab

sayyid; simoom

tarboosh

vali

19th c.

almah or alma; araba; azan

bint; bismillah

dahabeeyah

Fatiha

ghazal

Islam

jihad; jinn (pl.)

kafir; kef; keffiyeh; khor; khubber; Khutbah; kismet

loofa

macrame; Mahdi; malik; mashallah; masjid

rayah; razzia; rubai

safar; sahiba; sais; serdab; shadoof

tell

vilayet

wadi; wali

yashmak

zabeta; zarf; zariba

20th c.

fedaya



ENDNOTES

(1) For a short study of “loan translations” see Ahmed Shafik Elkhatib, “Arabic Translation-Loans in the English Language”, Faculty of Languages and Translation Studies, Vol. 12, 1985, pp. 65-72.

(2) Cf. e.g. The Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Chicago: Chicago University Press, 1970. (Vol. 8, p. 385)

(3) Unfortunately, I could not have access to Vol. 2 of the Supplement ; therefore only volumes 1 and 3 were consulted for words not found in the OED. This means that it remains to be seen whether any of the words from hadith to nefyr in Appendix I could possibly move to the main body of the paper in case Arabic origin is established for any of them.

(4) The tomb of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is in Medina. Pilgrimage does not mean visiting the tomb. It is not even part of performing pilgrimage. However it is recommended whether before or after hajj.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A Supplement to the Oxford English Dictionary, Edited by R. W. Burchfield, Oxford at the Clarendon Press, Vol. 1, 1972; Vol. 3, 1982.

Bliss, Alan J. A Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases in Current English, London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1983.

Bolinger, D. L., and D. A. Sears. Aspects of Language, Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich, 3rd edn. 1981.

Burchfield, Robert. The English Language, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1985.

Carroll, David. The Dictionary of Foreign Terms in the English Language, New York: Hawthorn Books, Inc, 1973.

Dictionary of Foreign Phrases and Abbreviations, Translated and Compiled by Kevin Guinagh, New York: The H. W. Wilson Company, 1983.

Mawson, C. O. Sylvester, Revised and Updated by Charles Berlitz, Dictionary of Foreign Terms , New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2nd edn., 1979.

Newmark, Maxim. Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases, New York: The Wisdom Library, 1969.

Robins, R. H. General Linguistics: An Introductory Survey, Longman, 3rd edn., 1980.

The Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Chicago: Chicago University Press, 1970.

The Harper Dictionary of Foreign Terms, Revised and edited by Eugene Ehrlich, based on the original edition by C. O. Sylvester, 3rd edn.,1987.

The Oxford English Dictionary, 12 vols. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1884-1929.

[سمير الشناوي]

اشكرك كثيرا ايها العلامة الكبير على هذه المساهمات الجادة والقيمة.
ولي سؤال هل يوجد في لغتنا العربية كلمات من اصل انجليزي او فرنسي او الماني او فارسي او تركي او غيره

هل نستطيع ان نعد مسردا يضم امثلة على هذا

لماذ لا يكون لنا اعمالا على مستوى اللغةالعربية مثلما نجدها في الغرب كقواميس اللهجات ، وقواميس لغات الحرفيين ، والفاظ النشالينز

وعلى مستوى النطق
لماذا لا يكون لدينا قواميس تبينها --- وخرائط تتابع اللهجات

سمير الشناوي

[Prof. Ahmed Shafik Elkhatib]

الأخ الكريم الأستاذ سمير الشناوي

وأنا بدوري أشكرك على كلماتك الطيبة وعلى تفاعلك مع الموضوع.

وللإجابة عن سؤالك أقول: نعم، توجد في لغتنا العربية وفي لهجاتنا المختلفة كلمات من لغات عديدة، ونستطيع أن نعد مسردا يضمها.

أما السبب في عدم وجود قواميس للهجات ولغات الحرفيين والنطق فإن هذا يرجع إلى قلة اعتيادنا على الأعمال الجماعية الضخمة، وإلى ندرة تخصيص التمويل اللازم لإنجازها.

تحياتي.

[يسري حمدي]

أستاذنا الفاضل الدكتور / أحمد

دائماً أنتم السباقون إلي نشر الدرر والأخذ بزمام المبادرات، فكم ناديت في هذا المنتدي بعمل مسرد يضم الكلمات ذوات الأصول العربية التي دخلت اللغة الإنكليزية والكلمات غير العربية التي دخلت اللغة العربية ونستخدمها ولم يستجب لي إلا نفر قليل ولم يتم البدء في تنفيذ هذا المسرد وخروجه للنور.

شكراً جزيلاً لكم علي هذه المباردة
مع خالص تحياتي

[Prof. Ahmed Shafik Elkhatib]

الأخ الكريم الأستاذ يسري حمدي

الشكر الجزيل لك على كلماتك الطيبة.

وأرجو أن تكون مساهمتي هذه حافزا للباحثين على استكمالها، إذ إنها –كما يتضح من العنوان- تقدم مسردا جزئيا أتمنى أن أراه مكتملا على يد ذوي الهمة من أمثالك.

كما أننا بانتظار مسرد الكلمات غير العربية التي دخلت اللغة العربية، استجابة لدعوتكم الكريمة.

تحياتي.

[monashazly]

شـكــ وبارك الله فيك ـــرا ...