kirpan
noun
a small dagger worn by orthodox Sikhs.
Jump to:
kirpan
American
[kir-pahn]
/ kɪrˈpɑn /
noun
Kirpan
British
/ kɪrˈpɑːn /
noun
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.
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
Oftentimes, a kirpan is blunt and even sewn into its sheath or scabbard.
From Washington Times • Sep. 27, 2022
While carrying a knife or sword is illegal, the kirpan can be carried by Sikhs for religious reasons as it is one of five symbols, called Kakars, initiated or baptised Sikhs wear.
From BBC • Aug. 16, 2021
On his belt, along with his pistol, he wore the little kirpan, the dagger all Sikhs carry.
From Four-Day Planet by Piper, H. Beam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
