marabout
Americannoun
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Islam.
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a hermit or holy man, especially in N Africa, often wielding political power and credited with supernatural powers.
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the tomb or shrine of such a man.
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noun
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a Muslim holy man or hermit of North Africa
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a shrine of the grave of a marabout
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of marabout
1615–25; < French < Portuguese marabuto < Arabic murābit; see Almoravid, maravedi
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.
Another marabout in a suburb of Dakar said he supports the government's efforts, but Quranic schools need more financial support to improve.
From US News ● Aug. 26, 2016
Another marabout in a suburb of Dakar said he supports the government’s efforts, but Quranic schools need more financial support to improve.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 25, 2016
“Maraboutage” — a local term connoting the bewitching influence of the marabout, or holy man — “still exists,” he added.
From New York Times ● Jun. 18, 2015
“Sometimes my marabout will take what I collect and sell it,” said Ahmadou, who comes from a small village in Gambia and has not seen his family for years.
From Los Angeles Times
The hair is simply arranged with a narrow wreath of pink and white velvet leaves, finished on the right side with two small marabout feathers, and two ends of fringe drooping low.
From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 2, No. 12, May, 1851. by Various
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.
