Meaning

(historical) An official of a Muslim court, of varied importance, initially controlling access to the caliph, but later very powerful; a chamberlain..

Definitions by Sense

1. (historical) An official of a Muslim court, of varied importance, initially controlling access to the caliph, but later very powerful; a chamberlain.
2. (nonstandard) Alternative form of hijab.

Example Sentences

In the Mamliik empire, it is certain that the hājib possessed judicial competence. […] In a first phase, the personality of the hājib does not yet stand out from his administrative character and, naturally, his competence is still restricted to the surroundings to which he belongs. The hājib is still the minister entrusted with the settlement of suits filed against the amīrs and the soldiers, and likewise litigations between soldiers, and especially disputes arising over the endowments and the fiefs which are granted to members of the army.

The hajib was always a man of consequence; being close to the caliph he was always in a position to give messages and ask favours and, most of all, he controlled access to his master.

By our period — the mid-ninth century — the office of hajib doubled with that of the head of the palace guard, which signifies, inter alia, that he was one of the Turkish amirs.

Word Forms

• hajibs

Related Words

When Should You Use Hajib?

Use hajib when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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