Abyssinian

alternative archaic Abissinian

1. datednot comparableOf or pertaining to Ethiopia or its inhabitants; Ethiopian.First known use 1697

   Our men are frightened of these Abyssinian women.

   2019, Maaza Mengiste, The Shadow King, Canongate Books (2020), page 335

   Synonyms: Abassian, Abyssin

2. not comparableOf or pertaining to the Abyssinian Church.First known use 1687

   The Abyssinian rite has fourteen different eucharistic prayers for use on different liturgical days; […]

   1945 August, Gregory Dix, “Variable Prayers in the Eastern Rites”, in The Shape of the Liturgy, 2nd edition, Westminster: Dacre Press, →OCLC, chapter XIV (Variable Prayers at the Eucharist), page 530

   2 more examples

   This king [Fasilides] immediately restored the Abyssinian doctrines, and hunted out the Jesuit missionaries.

   1922, H[erbert] Weld Blundell, “Appendix G. Christianity in Abyssinia.”, in The Royal Chronicle of Abyssinia, 1769–1840, with Translation and Notes, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: At the University Press, →OCLC, page 519

   Among the documents, according to the chronicler [João de] Barros, was information brought to Lisbon by an Abyssinian priest, one Lucas Marcos, in 1490.

   1952, Henry H[ersch] Hart, “The Ships’ Companies”, in Sea Road to the Indies: An Account of the Voyages and Exploits of the Portuguese Navigators, Together with the Life and Times of Dom Vasco da Gama, Capitão-Mór, Viceroy of India and Count of Vidigueira, London; Edinburgh; Glasgow: William Hodge and Company, Limited, →OCLC, page 111

plural Abyssinians · alternative archaic Abissinian

1. A short-haired domestic cat descended from the cats of ancient Egypt, making it one of the oldest breeds in the world.First known use 1871

   Synonyms: Aby, Abyssinian cat

2. A member of the Abyssinian Church.First known use 1693
3. datedA native of Ethiopia.First known use 1703

   A group of Abyssinians are astride horses in brightly colored saddles at the top of the hill across the valley.

   2019, Maaza Mengiste, The Shadow King, Canongate Books (2020), page 308

   Synonyms: Abassian, Abyssin

alternative archaic Abissinian

1. The Amharic language.First known use 1660