fard

American  

[fahrd] / fɑrd /

noun

1. facial cosmetics.

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verb (used with object)

1. to apply cosmetics to (the face).

fard British  

/ fɑːd /

noun

1. archaic paint for the face, esp white paint

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Etymology

Origin of fard

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French, Old French: noun derivative of farder to apply makeup, probably < Old Low Franconian *farwiđon to dye, color (compare Old High German farwjan, German färben )

Explanation

In Islam there are some obligatory prayers and actions that Muslims have to take part in, which are called fard. This isn't unique: Many religious practices have actions or prayers that you have to do as part of that religion. Fard is a word which comes from Arabic, but which has Persian influence. It refers to a religious duty, particularly one that comes from the Qur'an, and that duty can be a prayer or an action such as charity. It doesn't just refer to things a person has to do, but it also refers to things that the community has to do as a whole.

Example Sentences

When Aaron came in, she looked at him with a gentle, fresh smile that seemed to make the fard on her face look like a curious tiredness, which now she might recover from.

From Aaron's Rod by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)

Je nommerai sans fard les ineptes auteurs: Oui, je vais d�rouler aux yeux des amateurs: Des mauvais proc�d�s la d�plorable liste.

From A Bibliographical, Antiquarian and Picturesque Tour in France and Germany, Volume Two by Dibdin, Thomas Frognall

"A little charlatanism is permitted even to genius," he wrote: "it is like fard on the cheeks of a naturally beautiful woman; an appetizer for the mind."

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 4 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

And the fard on her face seemed like the old night-crust, the bad sleep.

From Aaron's Rod by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)

The Prince went away alone, and the following quatrain was circulated: En vain l'empire met du fard, On baisse ses yeux et sa robe.

From The Memoirs of Victor Hugo by Hugo, Victor