woordie major en · NOUN
Etymology
Uncertain. Yule states: "Both the rationale of the compound title, and the etymology of wardī, are obscure. Platts gives Hind. wardī or urdī, 'uniform of a soldier, badge or dress of office,' as the first part of the compound, with a questionable Skt. etymology, viruda, 'crying, proclaiming, a panegyric.' But there is also Ar. wird, 'a flight of birds,' and then also 'a troop or squadron,' which is perhaps as probable. Others, again, as many military titles have come from S. India, connect it with Can. varadi, 'news, an order.'"
Meanings
- (India, obsolete) A native adjutant in regiments of Indian irregular cavalry.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| wurdee major | alternative | lexicographic | |
| woordie majors | Number=Plur | lexicographic |