kirpan

American

[kir-pahn] / kɪrˈpɑn /

noun

a small dagger worn by orthodox Sikhs.

Kirpan British

/ kɪrˈpɑːn /

noun

the short sword traditionally carried by Sikhs as a symbol of their religious and cultural loyalty, symbolizing protection for the weak See also five Ks

"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

Etymology

Origin of kirpan

1900–05; < Punjabi and Hindi < Sanskrit kṛpāṇa sword

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He then picked up an ornamental miniature sword and arrow, known as a kirpan and teer to Sikhs, and threatened to kill the guards as they tried to detain him.

From BBC

Thursday’s instance was not the first time a Sikh student had run into temporary trouble on a college campus over their kirpan.

From Washington Times

Removing the kirpan is a serious matter for Sikhs.

From BBC

The Sikh men who go into the chamber with their kirpan.

From Los Angeles Times

Even before the law passed, the Quebec government had banned several Sikhs from entering the Quebec legislature with small ceremonial daggers, or kirpans, under their clothing.

From New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023