kotwal

or cot·wal

[ koht-wahl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Indian English.

Origin of kotwal¹

First recorded in 1575–85, kotwal is from the Hindi word koṭwāl

The Kotwal had a stable with lock and key at his service, and would put a watchman over the door all night.

Up ere dawn, and everything made ready for a start, the kotwal very busy, lending a helping hand.

I desired the kotwal to pardon them; but they are sure to be forced to give up the rupee.

The old kotwal, a most obliging old fellow, welcomed me warmly, mindful of former backsheesh.

He took the messenger back into Delhi, the man believing that he would be handed over to the Kotwal for hanging.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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