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munshi

American  
[moon-shee] / ˈmun ʃi /
Or moonshee

noun

Indian English.
  1. an interpreter or language instructor.

  2. a secretary or assistant.


Etymology

Origin of munshi

First recorded in 1770–80; from Hindi munshī, from Arabic munshi' “writer”


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.

See Examples For:

He left India as part of an embassy from the Mughal emperor Shah Allam II to the British court as its Persian scribe, or munshi.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 2, 2018

I find myself genuinely touched by the bond between the empress and the munshi.

From New York Times ● Oct. 3, 2017

The munshi seems to have regarded Victoria as an affectionate and generous surrogate mother.

From New York Times ● Oct. 3, 2017

Despite the staunch disapproval by the royal court of a Muslim being Victoria’s close confidant, he became her teacher, or munshi, and stayed close to her side up until her death in 1901.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 20, 2017

The language was Urdu, and the writer was a munshi, who was obviously communicating with an old pupil.

From The Motor Pirate by G. Sidney Paternoster

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