khansamah

American  

[kahn-suh-mah] / ˈkɑn səˌmɑ /

noun

Indian English.

1. a house steward or butler.

2. a male servant.

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Etymology

Origin of khansamah

First recorded in 1635–45; from Hindi khānsāmā,̃ from Persian khānsāmān, equivalent to khān “master” + sāmān “stores”

Example Sentences

These bungalows are under the direction of a khansamah, or native butler, who hires a small corps of servants to attend the wants of travelers.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 15, No. 89, May, 1875 by Various

"Dhola—!" he said, and brought his teeth together with an audible click, staring at the khansamah as if he were a recrudescence of a prehistoric mammal.

From The Bronze Bell by Vance, Louis Joseph

A khansamah who was accustomed to serve in the women's apartment came to that place in his search, and recognizing her, said, "Will you not please to come home?"

From The Poison Tree A Tale of Hindu Life in Bengal by Knight, Miriam S.

You stay as long as you please and when you leave not even a gift to the khansamah is permitted.

From The ninth vibration and other stories by Beck, L. Adams (Lily Adams)

Instantaneously it was the khansamah who confronted the Virginian—the native with head and shoulders submissively bended, as one who awaits an order.

From The Bronze Bell by Vance, Louis Joseph