Ishmaelite

[ ish-mee-uh-lahyt, -mey-uh-, -muh- ]

noun

1. a descendant of Ishmael, the traditional ancestor of the Arab peoples.
2. a wanderer or outcast.

Ishmaelite

/ ˈɪʃmeɪəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a supposed descendant of Ishmael; a member of a desert people of Old Testament times
2. rare.
   an outcast

Derived Forms

• ˈIshmaelˌitism, noun

Other Words From

• Ishma·el·itish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ishmaelite¹

First recorded in 1570–80; Ishmael + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

It seemed as if he were a prophet of wrath,--an Ishmaelite whose hand was against everybody.

From Project Gutenberg

It was clear at such times that this Ishmaelite's hand must be against every man, and every man's hand against her.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ishmaelite tribes, in fact, spoke dialects in which Canaanitish and Arabic elements were mingled together.

From Project Gutenberg

The political convulsions of the last two years, have brought out the veteran Ishmaelite in two characteristic works.

From Project Gutenberg

The Illustrator is the very Ishmaelite of collectors—his hand is against every man, and every man's hand is against him.

From Project Gutenberg