munshi

or moon·shee

[ moon-shee ]

noun

, Indian English.

1. an interpreter or language instructor.
2. a secretary or assistant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of munshi¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from Hindi munshī, from Arabic munshi' “writer”

Example Sentences

Presumably it was made by his Turkish munshi for his note in the Memoirs (p. 329).

From Project Gutenberg

I must say it to a munshi, who will write with a pen what I speak with my lips.

From Project Gutenberg

The munshi demanded and received the purwana, or written permit.

From Project Gutenberg

The munshi said nothing but followed the Englishman with his one workable eye.

From Project Gutenberg

The language was Urdu, and the writer was a munshi, who was obviously communicating with an old pupil.

From Project Gutenberg