Etymology Map
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Burqa

3 stages from Arabic to English.

Today it means a loose garment covering the entire body and face, worn by some Muslim women

Where does the word "burqa" come from? It comes from Arabic burqu', passing through Persian/Urdu before entering English (1800s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
burqu'
Arabic · medieval
"full veil"
named a veil covering the face and body
2
Stage 2 of 3
burqa
Persian/Urdu · 1700s
"full-body veil"
adopted into South and Central Asian dress traditions
3
Stage 3 of 3
burqa
English · 1800s
"full-body covering garment"
entered English through accounts of Islamic dress across the Middle East and South Asia
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