marabout

American  

[mar-uh-boot, -boo] / ˈmær əˌbut, -ˌbu /

noun

1. Islam.

   1. a hermit or holy man, especially in N Africa, often wielding political power and credited with supernatural powers.

   2. the tomb or shrine of such a man.

2. marabou.

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marabout British  

/ ˈmærəˌbuː /

noun

1. a Muslim holy man or hermit of North Africa

2. a shrine of the grave of a marabout

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Other Word Forms

• maraboutism noun

Etymology

Origin of marabout

1615–25; < French < Portuguese marabuto < Arabic murābit; Almoravid, maravedi

Example Sentences

He’d become a recluse, a Sufi, a marabout.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2023

Another marabout in a suburb of Dakar said he supports the government's efforts, but Quranic schools need more financial support to improve.

From US News • Aug. 26, 2016

Another marabout in a suburb of Dakar said he supports the government’s efforts, but Quranic schools need more financial support to improve.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 25, 2016

“Maraboutage” — a local term connoting the bewitching influence of the marabout, or holy man — “still exists,” he added.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2015

I am a marabout, my inspector, Third Turcos, and I am anxious to have a Prussian ask me who were my seven ancestors.”

From The Maids of Paradise by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)