Pattam
/ˈpætəm/noun
A title, rank, or academic degree in southern India.
Did you know?In South Indian usage, pattam could refer to an honorific or degree, reflecting an old tradition in which written documents, insignia, and status were associated with cloth or silk.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
paṭṭa
“A strip or band of cloth, especially silk; also a written document or official title.”
Early Medieval Period
Tamil
paṭṭam
“A title, rank, degree, or formal distinction.”
Medieval South India
Malayalam
paṭṭam
“A title or rank; the word also developed other regional meanings, including rent or lease.”
19th Century
English
pattam
“An English borrowing used for a title, rank, or degree in southern India.”
Modern English
English
pattam
“A regional or specialized term for a South Indian title, rank, or academic degree.”
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