durbar

[ dur-bahr ]

noun

1. the court of an Indian ruler.
2. a public audience or levee held by an Indian prince or by a British colonial governor or viceroy; an official reception.
3. the hall or place where an Indian prince or British colonial governor holds a public audience.
4. an audience held by an Indian prince or British colonial governor.

durbar

/ ˌdɜːˈbɑː; ˈdɜːbɑː /

noun

1. 1. (formerly) the court of a native ruler or a governor in India and British Colonial West Africa
   2. a levee at such a court

Word History and Origins

Origin of durbar¹

First recorded in 1600–10; alteration of Urdu darbār “court,” from Persian, equivalent to dar “door” + bār “entry”

Word History and Origins

Origin of durbar¹

C17: from Hindi darbār court, from Persian, from dar door + bār entry, audience

Example Sentences

In 1979 the Durbar Square of each city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From The Daily Beast

Having emerged safely from this peril, the great durbar was held, and lasted some hours.

From Project Gutenberg

He had introduced me to Cheetoo, and now, as he accompanied me from the durbar, he gave me instructions how I was to proceed.

From Project Gutenberg

We lost no time in presenting ourselves at the durbar of the chief, and were graciously received by him.

From Project Gutenberg

He then went into his tent, took off his durbar dress, put away his arms, and then lay down.

From Project Gutenberg

I went, and found him seated in full durbar, and the Khan's servants as prisoners before him.

From Project Gutenberg