adat

[ ah-daht ]

noun

1. the traditional law of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of adat¹

First recorded in 1780–90; from Javanese, from Arabic ʿadālah “(court of) equity”

Example Sentences

Some also say they see changes afoot among the Minangkabau that may be weakening the adat system.

From The Daily Beast

The adat paid to the girl's friends has usually been twelve dollars.

From Project Gutenberg

Maka uleh baginda pun di-sambut dengan seperti adat, they were received by the king with the customary ceremony.

From Project Gutenberg

A man married by ambel-anak may redeem himself and family on payment of the jujur and adat of a virgin before-mentioned.

From Project Gutenberg

If a younger sister be first married, the husband pays six dollars, adat pelalu, for passing over the elder.

From Project Gutenberg

The "adat," or law which cannot be changed, was fostered by religion.

From Project Gutenberg