Mahound
/məˈhaʊnd/noun
A historical English term used for Muhammad or, more broadly, for a demon or false god in medieval and early modern literature.
Did you know?In medieval European texts, Mahound could mean Muhammad, but in some later literature it was repurposed as a generic devil-name, showing how words can be weaponized into myth.
Etymological Timeline
Late 12th Century
Old French
Mahomet
“A form used for Muhammad, often in hostile Christian polemic.”
12th-13th Century
Middle English
Mahoun / Mahound
“A name for Muhammad in crusading and romance literature, often with hostile overtones.”
14th Century
English
Mahound
“Also used as a demon or false god in literary and religious contexts.”
Modern English
English
mahound
“Obsolete or literary term referring to Muhammad or, historically, a demon-like figure.”