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durbar

durbar

1 9.9
A large room in a palace where a ruler meets guests and holds formal meetings
  • noun
  • /ˈdərˌbär/
  • Archaic
: durbar
  • The grand durbar was adorned with gold accents and intricate carvings, showcasing the opulence of the palace.
  • Durbar court
  • durbar hall

Examples

Synonyms

divan
vsdurbar
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A group of government leaders and their meeting place in some Muslim countries, often in the past

is a palace reception room for formal audiences, not the governing body
apadana
vsdurbar
  • Specialized
9.9

A large hall where people meet in ancient Persian palaces like Persepolis

is the similar reception room used in Indian princely palaces for audiences

How Formal

throne room
9 4.6
durbar
  • Archaic
1 9.9
conference room
101 2.0
hall
739 1.0

Surface Forms

durbar singular
durbars plural

Etymology

Durbar comes from Persian darbār, meaning 'court' or the ruler's meeting place, and it reached English through India. So, a durbar is the large reception room in a palace where the ruler holds formal audiences and meetings.