seraglio

[ si-ral-yoh, -rahl- ]

noun

, plural se·ragl·ios.

1. the part of a Muslim house or palace in which the wives and concubines are secluded; harem.
2. a Turkish palace, especially of the sultan.

seraglio

/ -ˈreɪl; səˈraɪ; -ˈraɪl; sɛˈrɑːlɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. the harem of a Muslim house or palace
2. a sultan's palace, esp in the former Turkish empire
3. the wives and concubines of a Muslim

Word History and Origins

Origin of seraglio¹

1575–85; < Italian serraglio < Persian sarāy palace; sense development in Italian perhaps influenced by serrare to lock up

Word History and Origins

Origin of seraglio¹

C16: from Italian serraglio animal cage, from Medieval Latin serrāculum bolt, from Latin sera a door bar; associated also with Turkish seray palace

Example Sentences

When he was old he established a seraglio of fifteen-year-old girls, the most beautiful that could be bought or kidnapped.

From Project Gutenberg

A threat that savored more of the seraglio than of the throne!

From Project Gutenberg

Young virgins in cloisters are not so fresh: the beauties of the seraglio are less animated: the houris of paradise less engaging.

From Project Gutenberg

Her vitality and substantial figure should appeal to him more vividly than would one of the doll-like beauties of your seraglio.'

From Project Gutenberg

"A woman who combines an encyclopaedia and a seraglio is very dangerous," replied the mocking spirit.

From Project Gutenberg