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pukka sahib

American  

noun

  1. (in British India) a term of respectful address used to British colonial authorities.


Etymology

Origin of pukka sahib

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is a very pukka sahib regiment, that of Barry England's play Conduct Unbecoming, with a code of ethics, clique loyalties, and a voracious fondness for pig-sticking and whisky.

From Time Magazine Archive

Young is not above throwing foreign phrases into his Lallans: "He's a richt pukka sahib, your maister."

From Time Magazine Archive

Inside, Ambassador Gilchrist, a 48-year-old Scot with a Vandyke beard, reacted in the approved pukka sahib tradition.

From Time Magazine Archive

As photographers flashed and popped, they noted that Acheson's mustache had been clipped down from its usual pukka sahib proportions.

From Time Magazine Archive

“What,” asked Dr. Constantine with interest, “does a pukka sahib mean?”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

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