dervish

American  

[dur-vish] / ˈdɜr vɪʃ /

noun

1. a member of any of various Muslim ascetic orders, as the Sufis, some of which carry on ecstatic observances, such as energetic dancing and whirling or vociferous chanting or shouting.

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dervish British  

/ ˈdɜːvɪʃ /

noun

1. a member of any of various Muslim orders of ascetics, some of which ( whirling dervishes ) are noted for a frenzied, ecstatic, whirling dance

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Other Word Forms

• dervish-like
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dervish

1575–85; < Turkish < Persian darvīsh poor man, beggar

Explanation

A dervish is a Muslim monk who is part of an order known for their wild ritualistic movements. A dervish's whirling is part of their religion. A dervish is a Muslim holy man who, like a monk, lives a simple life away from the temptations of the world. The marvelous thing about this form of asceticism (it does involve poverty and chastity) is that dancing, whirling, or howling is also permitted, depending on the kind of dervish you are. Some forms are still practiced in the Sufi sect of Islam. This is the source of the term whirling dervish, which can apply to anyone who spins.

Example Sentences

This story has been corrected to show Dervish is not facing the death penalty.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

Dervish was in the master’s degree program in atmospheric sciences.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

But Hotchkiss said Dervish “is not guilty but insane. He’s just guilty.”

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

Defense attorney Leo Masursky told jurors that the killing wasn’t premeditated and that Dervish is “guilty except insane to second-degree murder,” an insanity defense.

From Seattle Times • May 19, 2024

Then, at half past one, they made their way up the High Street, past Dervish and Banges, and out toward the edge of the village.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling