dubash

Definition

An Indian translator or interpreter, particularly in their role as a household steward for British colonizers.

Etymology

From Hindi दो (do, “two”) + भाषा (bhāṣā, “languages”).

Example Sentences

• "This I learnt was the captain's dubash, a native man acting as general steward who provides every household article as well as of merchandise, and engages all inferior servants."
• "[…] inhabitants complain to him, and as he does not understand the language he is obliged to call for his dubash to interpret what they say; […]"