Sikh, n. (and a.)
(sɪk, siːk)
Forms: α. 8–9 Seek, Seik, 8 Seekh, 9 Seikh. β. 8 Syke, Syc, Sicque, 8–9 Sik (9 S{iacu}k), 9– Sikh (Sik'h, S{iacu}kh).
[Hindī sikh (Skr. {sdotab}ishya), disciple. The spellings seek(h, s{iacu}k(h, and the pron. (siːk), may have been due to association with Hindī sīkh learning, sīkhna to learn.]
1. A member of a monotheistic religious group, originally established in India (chiefly in the Punjab) by Guru Nanak in the early part of the 16th century.
The majority of Sikhs are still located in the Punjab in northern India, but many are now living in other parts of India, and in Africa, Europe, the United States, and elsewhere. Sikhs became famous for their military prowess in the 19th century during the period of British imperialism. The Sikh religion requires its members, among other institutionalized customs, to wear a turban, and this has brought Sikhs into conflict with authorities in some countries outside India in the second half of the present century, mainly because of local regulations about the wearing of crash helmets on motor cycles.
| α 1781 Wilkins in Asiatic Res. (1799) I. 288 That sect of people who are distinguished from the worshippers of Brahm, and the followers of Mahommed, by the appellation Seek. 1784 in Seton-Karr Select. fr. Calcutta Gaz. (1864) I. 13 The Seekhs..have plundered all that quarter. 1800 Asiatic Ann. Reg. III. 51/1 It is imagined he has taken refuge in the country of the Seiks. 1830 Encycl. Metrop. (1845) XXI. 283/2 marg., Seiks. |
| β 1785 European Mag. IX. 453 For ease the slow Mahratta spoils, And hardier Sik erratic toils. 1815 Elphinstone Acc. Caubul (1842) I. 109 All that is desirable to know respecting the Siks, the most remarkable part of the population. 1838 Penny Cycl. XII. 233/2 The Sikhs..consider the profession of arms the religious duty of every individual. 1896 Youngson 40 Yrs. Punjab Mission v. 39 A Sikh must possess five things—a dagger, an iron bracelet, short breeches, long hair, and a comb. |
2. attrib. or as adj. Of or pertaining to the Sikhs.
| 1845 Encycl. Metrop. XXV. 1348/1 The principal alphabets formed from the Nāgarī, are the Bengalī..and Sikh or Punjābī. 1853 Stocqueler Mil. Encycl. 257/1 A proclamation was issued, declaring the Sikh states..attached to the British dominions. 1866 Chambers's Encycl. VIII. 718/2 The second volume of the Sikh scriptures. 1896 Youngson 40 Yrs. Punjab Mission v. 39 Gobind Singh..renewed an old Sikh rite. |
Hence
ˈSikhism, the tenets or principles of the Sikhs.
| 1849 J. D. Cunningham Hist. Sikhs iii. 96/1 There are also elements of change within Sikhism itself. 1866 Chambers's Encycl. VIII. 719/2 The numerous divisions into which Sikhism, as a system of belief and practice, has ramified. 1880 Sir R. Temple India in 1880 120 Sikhism..is one of those inflammable things which a spark might kindle into a flame. 1896 Youngson 40 Yrs. Punjab Mission i. 4 Sikhism is like Buddhism a revolt from priestcraft and ritual. |