sirdar

or sar·dar

[ ser-dahr ]

noun

1. (in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) a military chief or leader.
2. (formerly) the British commander of the Egyptian army.

sirdar

/ ˈsɜːdɑː /

noun

1. a general or military leader in Pakistan and India
2. (formerly) the title of the British commander in chief of the Egyptian Army
3. a variant spelling of sardar

Word History and Origins

Origin of sirdar¹

1605–15; < Hindi sardār < Persian

Word History and Origins

Origin of sirdar¹

from Hindi sardār, from Persian, from sar head + dār possession

Example Sentences

The Sirdar on his knees before a large pile of finely ground flour was ladling it into a bag with a disused Quaker Oats tin.

From Project Gutenberg

He appears to be seedy, but has been quite hopeless as Sirdar down in the base camp and is without authority.

From Project Gutenberg

There was still time to send a message down to the Sirdar so as to get up more coolies and supplies and move forward next day.

From Project Gutenberg

I therefore admitted them, on condition that each Sirdar should only be accompanied by a specified number of followers.

From Project Gutenberg

On the further bank Sirdar Sher Ali's troops were located, having with them six guns.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• commandant
• commander