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Abaya

2 stages from Arabic to English.

Today it means a loose, full-length outer garment worn by some Muslim women

Where does the word "abaya" come from? It comes from Arabic 'abaya, adopted directly into English (1856).

1
Stage 1 of 2
'abaya
Arabic · medieval
"cloak, mantle"
named a loose cloak or mantle worn over other clothing
2
Stage 2 of 2
abaya
English · 1856
"loose full-length outer garment"
entered English through travel and trade accounts of the Middle East
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