Saracen

[ sar-uh-suhn ]

noun

1. History/Historical. a member of any of the nomadic tribes on the Syrian borders of the Roman Empire.
2. (in later use) an Arab.
3. a Muslim, especially in the period of the Crusades.

adjective

1. Also Sar·a·cen·ic [] Sara·ceni·cal. of or relating to the Saracens.

Saracen

/ ˈsærəsən; ˌsærəˈsɛnɪk /

noun

1. history a member of one of the nomadic Arabic tribes, esp of the Syrian desert, that harassed the borders of the Roman Empire in that region
2. 1. a Muslim, esp one who opposed the crusades
   2. (in later use) any Arab

adjective

1. of or relating to Arabs of either of these periods, regions, or types
2. designating, characterizing, or relating to Muslim art or architecture

Derived Forms

• Saracenic, adjective

Other Words From

• Sara·cen·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saracen¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English < Medieval Latin Saracēnus < Late Greek Sarakēnós

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saracen¹

C13: from Old French Sarrazin, from Late Latin Saracēnus, from Late Greek Sarakēnos, perhaps from Arabic sharq sunrise, from shāraqa to rise

Example Sentences

The remark “is totally going to lose him the Norman, Druid, Jute and Saracen vote,” one wit commented.

From The Daily Beast

Then their ship made anchor off the old Saracen castle of Castellamare, where now lay the Norman garrison.

From Project Gutenberg

A Saracen physician said he was fearfully smitten, but that life was strong within him, and he would live.

From Project Gutenberg

Only the Emir Iftikhar communed darkly with his own heart, and with certain sworn followers of his in the Saracen guard.

From Project Gutenberg

Beside him lies a beautiful female Saracen slave, while at his feet a male Saracen comes to surrender his treasure!

From Project Gutenberg

The Saracen proverb is verified: "The Christians find here shelter only in the belly of the vultures, the jackals and the lions!"

From Project Gutenberg