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pukka sahib

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of pukka sahib

First recorded in 1935–40

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.

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

Once more the Union Jack fluttered over Delhi's posh Roshanara Club, while pukka sahib types bowled on the cricket pitch.

From Time Magazine Archive

With his pukka sahib manner, Yahya seems strictly Sandhurst, though he learned his trade not in England but at the British-run Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is a very pukka sahib regiment, that of Barry England's play Conduct Unbecoming, with a code of ethics, clique loyalties, and a voracious fondness for pig-sticking and whisky.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

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