dervish

noun der·vish \ˈdər-vish\

: a member of a Muslim religious group that is known for its customs including a fast spinning dance that is done as part of worship

Full Definition of DERVISH

: a member of a Muslim religious order noted for devotional exercises (as bodily movements leading to a trance)

: one that whirls or dances with or as if with the abandonment of a dervish

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Turkish derviş, literally, beggar, from Persian darvīsh

First Known Use: 1585

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