mallam
Britishnoun
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(in Islamic W Africa) a man learned in Koranic studies
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(in N Nigeria) a title and form of address for a learned or educated man
Etymology
Origin of mallam
C20: from Hausa
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 beckons to a mallam, which is what Lagosians call the Hausa Muslim gatekeepers.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 28, 2009
The mallam smiles heartily and declines the money, saying his help is free.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 28, 2009
The mallam removes his radio from his shoulder as delicately as if it were a parrot, and comes over, barefoot, his long white gown sweeping the ground.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 28, 2009
The mallam is an old man, tall and skinny.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 28, 2009
Here their conversation was interrupted by the old chief, who wished to return to the village, and the mallam was obliged to accompany him.
From Lander's Travels The Travels of Richard Lander into the Interior of Africa by Huish, Robert
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.
