djellaba

Where does the word "djellaba" come from? It comes from Arabic jalaba, passing through Maghrebi Arabic before entering English (1900s).

Djellaba’s story begins in Arabic: jalaba meant “to import, bring.” Meant "to bring, fetch, import". By medieval, the word had taken hold in Maghrebi Arabic as jallaba. Named the long hooded robe associated with North African traders. It reached English by 1900s as djellaba. Entered English through accounts of North African dress. Today, djellaba means a loose, long-sleeved hooded robe traditionally worn in North Africa.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval jalaba "to import, bring", meant "to bring, fetch, import".
2. Stage 2 · Maghrebi Arabic · medieval jallaba "hooded robe", named the long hooded robe associated with North African traders.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1900s djellaba "long hooded robe", entered English through accounts of North African dress.