What does lascar mean?
The term 'lascar' refers to a sailor or laborer on a ship, particularly in the 19th century. This term is often associated with sailors or laborers from South Asia, particularly from India and Pakistan. The use of 'lascar' is somewhat archaic and is not commonly used in modern English. However, it is still used in historical and literary contexts to refer to the role of sailors and laborers in the development of global trade. The term 'lascar' is often used interchangeably with other terms such as 'sailor' or 'seaman', but it carries a specific connotation of being a laborer or hand on a ship. The use of 'lascar' can be seen in historical accounts and literary works that describe the lives and experiences of sailors and laborers in the 19th century.
nounA sailor or laborer on a ship, especially in the 19th century.
- A sailor or laborer on a ship, especially in the 19th century.
"The lascars were responsible for maintaining the ship's sails and rigging."
"The lascars were responsible for maintaining the ship's sails and rigging."
"In the 19th century, lascars played a crucial role in the development of global trade."
The plural form 'lascars' is used to refer to multiple sailors or laborers on a ship.
"The lascars were responsible for maintaining the ship's sails and rigging."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lascar
The term 'lascar' is derived from the Portuguese word 'lascar', which is itself derived from the Persian word 'lashkar', meaning 'army' or 'troop'. The term 'lascar' was originally used to refer to sailors or laborers from South Asia who worked on ships in the Indian Ocean. Over time, the term 'lascar' came to be used more broadly to refer to any sailor or laborer on a ship, regardless of their place of origin.
How lascar is actually used
The term 'lascar' is often used to refer to sailors or laborers from South Asia, particularly from India and Pakistan. It is considered a somewhat archaic term and is not commonly used in modern English.