Word Study
Kaffir
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun Kaffir has 2 senses
- kaffir(n = noun.plant) great millet, kaffir corn, kafir corn, sorghum bicolor - important for human and animal food; growth habit and stem form similar to Indian corn but having sawtooth-edged leaves; Array is a kind of sorghum
- kaffir(n = noun.person) caffer, caffre, kafir - an offensive and insulting term for any Black African; Array is a kind of black african
CIDE DICTIONARY
Kaffir, n. [Ar. k infidel, pagan, fr. kafara to be skeptical in religious matters; -- a name given to certain infidel races by the Mohammedans. Cf. Giaour.].
- One of a race which, with the Hottentots and Bushmen, inhabit South Africa. They inhabit the country north of Cape Colony, the name being now specifically applied to the tribes living between Cape Colony and Natal, including the Ponda, Xosa, and Tembu; but the Zulus of Natal are true Kaffirs. [1913 Webster]
- Any Black African; -- a disparaging and offensive term used by white South Africans. [WordNet 1.5]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Kaffir, n.
1 a a member of the Xhosa-speaking peoples of S. Africa. b the language of these peoples.
2 S.Afr. offens. any Black African.
1 a a member of the Xhosa-speaking peoples of S. Africa. b the language of these peoples.
2 S.Afr. offens. any Black African.
Etymology
Arab. kafir infidel f. kafara not believe
For further exploring for "Kaffir" in Webster Dictionary Online
