benami

adjective

be·​na·​mi
bə-ˈnä-mē
variants or less commonly benamee
bə-ˈnä-mē
: made, held, done, or transacted in the name of (another person)
used in Hindu law to designate a transaction, contract, or property that is made or held under a name that is fictitious or is that of a third party who holds as ostensible owner for the principal or beneficial owner

Word History

Etymology

Hindi benāmī, from Persian banām in the name of + -ī

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Cite this Entry

“Benami.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benami. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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