kirpan

American  

[kir-pahn] / kɪrˈpɑn /

noun

1. a small dagger worn by orthodox Sikhs.

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Kirpan British  

/ kɪrˈpɑːn /

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of kirpan

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

Example Sentences

The “articles of faith” that Sikhs wear include: kesh, or unshorn hair; kanga, a small comb; a steel bracelet called a kara; the kirpan, which resembles a small knife; and underwear known as kachera.

From Washington Times • Aug. 11, 2023

Many male Ravidassia members wear long hair in a turban and carry Sikh articles of faith such as the kada or bracelet, kangha or wooden comb and kirpan, the sheathed, single-edged knife.

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2023

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 • Sep. 27, 2022

He said despite officers realising it was legal to carry a kirpan, they were made to leave the park by the owner.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2021

After all, a kirpan was a sidearm, and his religion required him to carry that.

From Four-Day Planet by Piper, H. Beam