Hashashin
/ˌhɑːʃəˈʃiːn/noun
A term historically used for the Nizari Ismaili group often called the Assassins in medieval sources.
Did you know?The famous “Hashashin = hash-eaters” story is widely treated as a medieval slur or later myth, while the English word assassin comes through Old French and Medieval Latin from Arabic-influenced forms tied to this group’s name.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
ḥašāšīn
“A label applied to the Nizari Ismailis, likely as an insult or group name in hostile sources”
12th–13th Century
Medieval Latin
assassini / assissini
“Medieval European forms referring to the sect or its members”
13th Century
Old French
assassin
“A member of the sect; later, a hired killer”
Late Middle Ages
Italian
assassino
“A murderer or hired killer”
16th Century
English
assassin
“A murderer, especially one who kills by stealth”