Hova
9.9
Free common people in the Merina kingdom who are not nobles or slaves
- noun
- Archaic
:
Hova
- In the Merina kingdom, the hova were recognized for their role as free commoners, distinct from both the nobility and enslaved individuals.
Examples
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The traditions of the hova reflect the rich history of Madagascar's monarchy and its complex social hierarchies.
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Historically, the hova class played a vital role in the social structure of Madagascar, emphasizing the importance of free commoners.
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You'll be my hova, I can be your Destiny's Child on the scene, boy. Am A G E
Blog text (8)
Surface Forms
Etymology
Hova comes from the Malagasy language and originally meant 'free people' in the Merina kingdom. That's why Hova refers to the class of free commoners who were not nobles or slaves.
