Mahound
- proper noun
- Slur
- In Medieval literature, Mahound was often depicted as a false prophet.
Examples
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Mahound was a controversial figure.
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In medieval literature, Mahound was often depicted as a figure representing Islam.
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Some early Christian texts refer to Mahound in derogatory terms.
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The character in the old play invoked Mahound as a symbol of the Saracen enemy.
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In medieval literature, Mahound is often portrayed as a false prophet leading people astray.
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The play's antagonist, who represents hate, frequently invokes the name of Mahound to incite tension.
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During the debate, the speaker referred disparagingly to Mahound as a means to critique certain beliefs.
Synonyms
An Arab prophet who founded Islam and taught its beliefs
An Arab prophet who founded Islam and is honored by Muslims as the last messenger of God
The founder of Islam whom Muslims regard as the last prophet of God
An old English form of the name of the Prophet Muhammad
Surface Forms
Etymology
Mahound comes from a medieval European way of saying the Arabic name Muhammad, based on how people long ago heard the name. In old Christian stories it was used as a negative or 'offensive' name for the 'prophet' and 'founder of Islam', which is why the word is now rude and not used.