Etymology Map
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Induna

2 stages from Zulu to English.

Today it means a Black African headman, foreman, or minor official, especially in southern Africa

Where does the word "induna" come from? It comes from Zulu induna, adopted directly into English (1870s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
induna
Zulu · 1800s
"headman, councillor under a chief"
formed from the noun prefix in- plus duna, 'captain, councillor'
2
Stage 2 of 2
induna
English · 1870s
"a Zulu headman, officer, or foreman"
entered English through 19th-century contact with Zulu society in South Africa
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