Saracen

[sar-uh-suhn]

noun

1. History/Historical.,  a member of any of the nomadic tribes on the Syrian borders of the Roman Empire.

2. (in later use) an Arab.

3. a Muslim, especially in the period of the Crusades.

adjective

1. Also Saracenic Saracenical. of or relating to the Saracens.

Saracen

/ ˈsærəsən, ˌsærəˈsɛnɪk /

noun

1. history a member of one of the nomadic Arabic tribes, esp of the Syrian desert, that harassed the borders of the Roman Empire in that region

2. 1. a Muslim, esp one who opposed the crusades

   2. (in later use) any Arab

adjective

1. of or relating to Arabs of either of these periods, regions, or types

2. designating, characterizing, or relating to Muslim art or architecture

Other Word Forms

• Saracenic adjective
• Saracenism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saracen¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English < Medieval Latin Saracēnus < Late Greek Sarakēnós

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saracen¹

C13: from Old French Sarrazin, from Late Latin Saracēnus, from Late Greek Sarakēnos, perhaps from Arabic sharq sunrise, from shāraqa to rise

Example Sentences

Marcus Smith scored 15 of Harlequins' points on his return to action in the Prem on Sunday as the London club beat local rivals Saracens 20-14 for their first win of the season.

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The news comes after just one match of the new Prem season which the renamed Red Bulls lost 39-17 at home to Saracens.

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Canada have also hired Alex Austerberry, Saracens' director of women's rugby, as an assistant coach to pull together the knowledge the players have gained at club level and then add his own.

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The 26-year-old Saracens forward is a fine kicker too, nailing 17 conversions so far in this year's World Cup - the most in the tournament.

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Saracens fly-half Harrison started the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand in 2022 and is now in pole position to do so again if Mitchell's side make the final.

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