munshi

[ moon-shee ]

/ ˈmun ʃi /

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noun Indian English.

a native interpreter or language instructor.

a native secretary or assistant.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of munshi

1770–80; <Hindi munshī<Arabic munshi' writer

Presumably it was made by his Turkish munshi for his note in the Memoirs (p. 329).
The Bbur-nma in English|Babur, Emperor of Hindustan
I must say it to a munshi, who will write with a pen what I speak with my lips.
Barclay of the Guides|Herbert Strang
The munshi demanded and received the purwana, or written permit.
From Sea to Sea|Rudyard Kipling
The munshi said nothing but followed the Englishman with his one workable eye.
From Sea to Sea|Rudyard Kipling

The language was Urdu, and the writer was a munshi, who was obviously communicating with an old pupil.
The Motor Pirate|George Sidney Paternoster