blackamoor

[ blak-uh-moor ]

noun

1. Older Use: Disparaging and Offensive.
   1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a Black person.
   2. a contemptuous term used to refer to any dark-skinned person.
2. Art. a stylized depiction of a Black servant in rich clothing, classical robes, or noble tribal costume, used as a decorative element in furniture, textiles, or jewelry, especially during the period of European colonialism.

blackamoor

/ ˈblækəˌmʊə; -ˌmɔː /

noun

1. archaic.
   a Black African or other person with dark skin

Sensitive Note

So-called blackamoors, or Black Moors, were Black servants, originally enslaved North Africans, who worked in wealthy European households from the 15th-18th centuries. The negative connotation of the term comes from its historical association with servitude and from the perception that Black Moors were strangely exotic. In 1596, Queen Elizabeth I targeted them for deportation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackamoor¹

First recorded in 1540–50; unexplained variant of phrase Black Moor

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackamoor¹

C16: see Black , Moor

Example Sentences

Go anoint thy javelin with fat of swine, O Blackamoor; for before morning the Romans will make thee eat it to the very butt.

From Project Gutenberg

What had kept him so long, and why had he turned blackamoor?

From Project Gutenberg

Mercy upon me, what shall I do with a blackamoor and a dog both underfoot!

From Project Gutenberg

The King rose, thrust aside the little blackamoor, and with his spaniel under his arm, sauntered across to Miss Stewart's table.

From Project Gutenberg

Hortense grew white to the lips and shouted for that lout of a blackamoor sound asleep on the sand.

From Project Gutenberg