sahib

American  

[sah-ib, -hib, sahb, ‐heeb] / ˈsɑ ɪb, -hɪb, sɑb, ‐hib /

noun

1. (in India) sir; master: a term of respect used, especially during the colonial period, when addressing or referring to a European.

2. none Sahib singular of Ashab.

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sahib British  

/ ˈsɑːhɪb, ˈsɑːhɛb /

noun

1. (in India) a form of address or title placed after a man's name or designation, used as a mark of respect

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Etymology

Origin of sahib

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Urdu, from Arabic ṣāḥib “master,” literally, “friend”

Example Sentences

He eventually became fluent in Hindi, a rare achievement in Delhi's foreign press corps and one which endeared him to many Indians for whom he was always "Tully sahib".

From BBC

In the HUM interview, Bushra said: "Every moment of Khan sahib's life is now dedicated to God, the Prophet and the love for Baba Farid".

From Reuters

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

From Literature

He becomes a sort of hollow, posing dummy, the conventionalised figure of a sahib.

From The Guardian

“You know I don’t need lessons anymore, Mullah sahib. You taught me every surrah and ayat in the Koran years ago.”

From Literature