kaffir

Definition

In Islamic contexts, a non-Muslim.

Etymology

Ultimately from Arabic كَفَّار (kaffār, “infidel”) or كَافِر (kāfir, “unbeliever”), both from كَفَرَ (kafara, “to cover, to hide”); in some (especially early) uses, via Spanish cafre, Dutch kaffer or other European languages. Doublet of kafir.

Example Sentences

• "He […] put me in imminent danger of my life, by telling the natives that I was a Caffer, and not a Mussulman."
• "… the Hambonaas, a nation quite different from the Kaffers, having a yellowish complexion […]."
• "I rang the bell, and a smiling Kafir boy answered it."

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