munshi

American  

[moon-shee] / ˈmun ʃi /

Or moonshee

noun

Indian English.

1. an interpreter or language instructor.

2. a secretary or assistant.

---

Etymology

Origin of munshi

First recorded in 1770–80; from Hindi munshī, from Arabic munshi' “writer”

Example Sentences

He left India as part of an embassy from the Mughal emperor Shah Allam II to the British court as its Persian scribe, or munshi.

From The Guardian • Jun. 2, 2018

The munshi seems to have regarded Victoria as an affectionate and generous surrogate mother.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2017

I suspect that the munshi was a sort of dual reincarnation of Victoria’s beloved Albert and her dear, dear John Brown.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2017

Despite the staunch disapproval by the royal court of a Muslim being Victoria’s close confidant, he became her teacher, or munshi, and stayed close to her side up until her death in 1901.

From Washington Times • Sep. 20, 2017

The munshi said nothing but followed the Englishman with his one workable eye.

From From Sea to Sea Letters of Travel by Kipling, Rudyard