Word of the Day – Akhund

Akhund (adj)

ak-oond

(Islam) Especially in Iran (formerly Persia), Pakistan, and Afghanistan: a religious leader, teacher, or scholar.

Early 18th century; earliest use found in Atlas Geographus. From Persian āḵūnd theologian, (religious) scholar, mullah, preacher, teacher (in a traditional Qur’an school), in post-revolutionary Iran also used pejoratively to denote the ruling clerics, further etymology uncertain and disputed.

Example sentences

“Speak to the akhund for advice.”