zigeunerhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zigeuner_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_useZigeuner, n. & adj.
Revised 2020

Zigeunernoun & adjective

  1. noun
    1. 1802–
      Esp. in German-speaking countries or in Hungary: a member of the Romani people, a Gypsy. Now rare and often considered offensive.
      1. 1802
        The numbers of the Zigeuners, or Gypsies in Hungary, are about 17,000.
        Universal Magazine Knowledge & Pleasure December 399/2
      2. 1856
        In winter-time, when the pasturage disappears, and subsistence becomes more difficult, the zigeuners draw nearer to settled parts of the country.
        Chambers's Journal 3 May 274/1
      3. 1962
        From two million Zigeuners three years ago—a figure already held to be exaggerated—the number claimed today has risen to 12 million.
        Times 3 January 6
  2. adjective
    (in attributive use).
    1. 1869–
      Designating a Zigeuner; of or relating to Zigeuners; esp. of, relating to, or characteristic of traditional central European Romani music.
      1. 1869
        Liszt..gives a most interesting account of a promising zigeuner lad, on whom he tried the experiment of musical training.
        J. C. Byrne, Pictures Hungarian Life iii. 87
      2. 1946
        Billy Reid's ‘Gypsy’ tees off with a typical ‘zigeuner’ fiddle intro as a scene setter.
        Billboard 11 May 33/1
      3. 2001
        Vardos, a new folk ensemble specialising in the popular Zigeuner tradition, playing Romanian and Hungarian music.
        Canberra Times (Nexis) 26 December a20

Zigeuner, n. & adj. was revised in September 2020.

Zigeuner, n. & adj. was last modified in December 2024.