maulvi

[ moul-vee ]

noun

1. (in India) an expert in Islamic law: used especially as a term of respectful address among Muslims.

Word History and Origins

Origin of maulvi¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from Hindi, Urdu maulvī, from Persian mawlavī, from Arabic mawlawī, equivalent to mawlā “lord, master” + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin; mullah

Example Sentences

On several occasions, Pakistani officials tipped off Maulvi Nazir and his men about impending drone strikes.

From The Daily Beast

Since 2007, Maulvi Nazir and the Pakistani military had kept to an unwritten truce.

From The Daily Beast

Whatever protection the Pakistanis had been giving to Maulvi Nazir was no longer on the table.

From The Daily Beast

Having seized Ismael, Mohammad sent word to the shura that he would trade his hostage for Maulvi Habibullah.

From The Daily Beast

“The U.S. and its allies claimed to be having negotiations with the Taliban,” senior Taliban commander Maulvi Rahmanullah said.

From The Daily Beast

The Maulvi thus acts as a teacher of religious doctrine and also of law.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal religious officer is the Maulvi, who corresponds to the Hindu Guru or preceptor.

From Project Gutenberg