maharishi
UK[ˌmɑːhəˈrɪʃi]US[ˌmɑːhəˈriːʃi]
n
a hindu teacher of mystical knowledge, often used as a title of respect for a spiritual guide or sage.
Etymology
the word 'maharishi' is a borrowing from sanskrit, entering english in the 19th century through the study of indian religions and philosophy. it is a compound of the sanskrit elements 'mahā-' meaning 'great' and 'ṛṣi' meaning 'sage' or 'seer'. originally denoting a vedic sage of the highest order, the term evolved to refer more broadly to a great spiritual teacher. in modern english usage, it is often used as an honorific title for a hindu spiritual guide, particularly one who teaches meditation and mystical practices.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from sanskrit and functions as an unsegmentable simplex in english.
Examples
the maharishi taught his followers techniques of transcendental meditation.
he traveled to india to study under a renowned maharishi.
the writings of the maharishi influenced many western thinkers.