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berdache

noun
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ber·​dache | \ bər-ˈdash How to pronounce berdache (audio) \
plural berdaches

Definition of berdache

dated, offensive
: an American Indian who assumes the dress, social status, and role of the opposite sex

First Known Use of berdache

1806, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for berdache

American French, alteration of French bardache catamite, from Italian dialect (southern Italy) bardascio, from Arabic bardaj slave, from Persian bardag prisoner, from Middle Persian vartak

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The first known use of berdache was in 1806

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Last Updated

20 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Berdache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/berdache. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

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