zarhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zar_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_useZar, n.
First published 1993; not fully revised

Zarnoun

  1. 1.
    1868–
    In several North African countries, a malignant spirit, possession by which is a traditional explanation for attacks of (usually religious) mania, esp. in women, and formerly for some diseases.
    1. 1868
      Consumption is not very frequent.., the Abyssinians naturally attribute it to a Zar, or some other devilment.
      W. C. Plowden, Travels in Abyssinia vi. 114
    2. 1913
      Zar and Desatir may be identified with the Bori.
      R. Blind, translation of L. Frobenius, Voice Africa vol. II. xxvi. 571
    3. 1931
      ‘Art thou Zar?’ asks Umm az Zar. ‘I am Zar,’ comes the reply through the mouth of the possessed.
      B. Thomas, Alarms & Excursions in Arabia v. i. 261
    4. 1931
      If he has been possessed by a female zar, only the blood of the ox or ram will do.
      B. Thomas, Alarms & Excursions in Arabia v. i. 262
  2. 2.
    1931–
    Any of various ceremonies associated with possession by or propitiation of such spirits, esp. a variety of whirling dance. Frequently attributive.
    1. 1931
      The Zar ceremony in which the participants drink the blood of their sacrifices.
      Times Literary Supplement 2 April 263/1
    2. 1966
      The Dervish dancers, with castanets, tambourines and all the trimmings of their famous Zar dance; a swoop of movements, a whirling and spinning which makes their embroidered robes float out horizontally seemingly in defiance of gravity.
      Guardian 14 March 18/4
    3. 1989
      Zār rituals are always fraught with tension and surprise.
      J. Boddy, Wombs & Alien Spirits iv. 131

Zar, n. was first published in 1993; not fully revised.

Zar, n. was last modified in December 2024.