pukka sahib

American  

noun

1. (in British India) a term of respectful address used to British colonial authorities.

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Etymology

Origin of pukka sahib

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Inside, Ambassador Gilchrist, a 48-year-old Scot with a Vandyke beard, reacted in the approved pukka sahib tradition.

From Time Magazine Archive

Young is not above throwing foreign phrases into his Lallans: "He's a richt pukka sahib, your maister."

From Time Magazine Archive

In satirical postures and caricature voices, "Carruthers" plays bishop to "Bradshaw's" priest, pukka sahib to his native, officer to his enlisted man, and schoolmaster to his pupil.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dean Gooderham Acheson, now 55, is a tall, tweedy mixture of dignity and good humor, and by no means as stuffy as his pukka sahib mustache makes him look.

From Time Magazine Archive

“What,” asked Dr. Constantine with interest, “does a pukka sahib mean?”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie