marabout

American  

[mar-uh-boot, -boo] / ˈmær əˌbut, -ˌbu /

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.

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marabout British  

/ ˈmærəˌbuː /

noun

1. a Muslim holy man or hermit of North Africa

2. a shrine of the grave of a marabout

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Other Word Forms

• maraboutism noun

Etymology

Origin of marabout

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

Example Sentences

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

"Tell Si Maïeddine that before he or the marabout can come near us, we shall be dead," Victoria said, in a low voice.

From The Golden Silence by Williamson, A. M. (Alice Muriel)