fakir
UK[ˈfeɪkɪər]US[fəˈkɪr]
n
a muslim (or, loosely, a hindu) religious ascetic who lives solely on alms.
n
(dated) an itinerant muslim or hindu wonder-worker or street performer.
Etymology
the word 'fakir' entered english in the early 17th century, derived from arabic 'faqīr', meaning 'a poor man'. this arabic term itself comes from the root 'f-q-r', which conveys the sense of poverty and need. in islamic contexts, particularly within sufism, a fakir is one who possesses spiritual wealth through deliberate material poverty and devotion. the term was later applied by european observers to similar hindu ascetics, leading to its broader, sometimes inaccurate, usage for any itinerant holy man or performer.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from arabic, adopted into english via portuguese or french. it is not productively segmented using english morphemes.
Examples
the old fakir sat by the roadside, meditating quietly.
travelers were amazed by the fakir's ability to perform seemingly impossible feats.
in the story, a wandering fakir bestowed a blessing upon the village.