Meaning & use

fakir

noun·Advanced

A Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic who lives on alms and is sometimes associated with performing feats of endurance.

See it in a sentence

The traveler described watching a fakir sit motionless for hours in the marketplace.

Historically, a fakir relied on the charity of others while pursuing a life of spiritual devotion.

A note on using this word

The term originates from Arabic and Persian traditions and is used respectfully in historical and religious contexts, not as a casual label.

Words with a similar meaning

asceticmendicant

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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