kef
[keyf, kef]
- a state of drowsy contentment, especially from the use of a narcotic.
- Also keef. a substance, especially a smoking preparation of hemp leaves, used to produce this state.
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Origin of kef
First recorded in 1800–10, kef is from the Arabic word kaif well-being, pleasure
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for kef
Historical Examples
To “do kef,” or to “make kef,” is to pass the time in such a state.
A––– and his party had started for Kef, malgré my dissuasions.
Notes in North AfricaW. G. Windham
These folks take their kef, as they do every thing else, quietly.
Situated at the intersection of main routes from the west and south, Kef occupies a position of strategic importance.
The Oriental mysticism, the Kef, as ecstasy is called in the East, are admirably expressed.
Ivory Apes and PeacocksJames Huneker
kef
- a variant of kif
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for kef
n.
1808, from Arabic kaif "well-being, good-humor." Specifically, state of dreaming intoxication produced by smoking cannabis; dolce far niente. In Morocco and Algeria, it was the name for Indian hemp.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper