What does "abbas" mean?

1. (abbot) an old word for an abbot, who is the leader of a group of monks. 2. (Arabic name) a common male first name or family name in Arabic-speaking cultures.

How do you use "abbas"?

Used primarily in historical or ecclesiastical contexts to refer to the head of a religious house. Capitalized as a proper noun.

abbas

US //əˈbɑs// ab·bas

1 abbot (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Religion

an old word for an abbot, who is the leader of a group of monks.

the superior or head of a monastery. This form is now obsolete in modern English, having been replaced by 'abbot'.

Example

The old stories speak of an abbas who ruled the monastery with kindness.

Example

In the medieval manuscript, the abbas was depicted presiding over the monks during their evening prayers.

Usage

Used primarily in historical or ecclesiastical contexts to refer to the head of a religious house.

Teacher's tip

This sense is archaic; learners should use 'abbot' in all modern contexts unless translating historical Latin texts.
2 Arabic name (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a common male first name or family name in Arabic-speaking cultures.

a common Arabic masculine given name or surname, meaning 'lion' or 'stern'.

Example

My friend Abbas is coming over to help me with my homework.

Example

The works of Mahmoud Abbas have been widely discussed in contemporary political science journals.

Usage

Capitalized as a proper noun.

Teacher's tip

While the religious title is archaic, the name is very common globally today.