Hajib
/ˈhædʒɪb/noun
A chamberlain or high court official in certain Islamic governments, especially in medieval Muslim Spain.
Did you know?In al-Andalus, the hajib could become the kingdom’s most powerful official; Almanzor rose from this office to rule Córdoba in all but name.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ḥ-j-b
“To cover, conceal, or prevent access; a reconstructed Semitic root”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ḥajaba
“He concealed, screened, or kept someone away”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ḥājib
“A chamberlain or gatekeeper who controlled access to a ruler”
8th–10th Centuries
Arabic
ḥājib
“A senior court official in Islamic administrations, including al-Andalus”
Medieval Spanish Arabic
Andalusi Arabic
ḥājib
“The chief minister or chamberlain of a Muslim ruler”
19th Century
English
hajib
“An English historical term for a Muslim chamberlain or court official”