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.
The mallam is an old man, tall and skinny.
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
He beckons to a mallam, which is what Lagosians call the Hausa Muslim gatekeepers.
From The New Yorker ● Dec. 28, 2009
A mallam was at length perceived hurrying towards them with it, and after him came the venerable Arab chief, to honour them with his company a little way on their journey.
From Lander's Travels The Travels of Richard Lander into the Interior of Africa by Robert Huish
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