marabout

[ mar-uh-boot, -boo ]

noun

1. Islam.
   1. a hermit or holy man, especially in N Africa, often wielding political power and credited with supernatural powers.
   2. the tomb or shrine of such a man.
2. marabou.

marabout

/ ˈmærəˌbuː /

noun

1. a Muslim holy man or hermit of North Africa
2. a shrine of the grave of a marabout

Other Words From

• mara·boutism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marabout¹

1615–25; < French < Portuguese marabuto < Arabic murābit; Almoravid, maravedi

Word History and Origins

Origin of marabout¹

C17: via French and Portuguese marabuto, from Arabic murābit

Example Sentences

Up to the now open door of the marabout's tomb rushes a figure that has leaped from a horse.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a peculiar kind of silk called marabout, containing generally three threads, made from the white Novi raw silk.

From Project Gutenberg

A marabout is generally in charge of these koubas, as he is with the proper tombs of other holy men.

From Project Gutenberg

The mosque-marabout is often a monument which marks a holy place, the tomb, for instance, of a celebrated marabout or holy man.

From Project Gutenberg

It is dedicated to Sidi-Ahmed-ben-Youssef, a venerated marabout who lived all his life hereabouts.

From Project Gutenberg