Houri
[huәri]
Definition
(noun.) (Islam) one of the dark-eyed virgins of perfect beauty believed to live with the blessed in Paradise.
Editor: Woodrow--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A nymph of paradise; -- so called by the Mohammedans.
Checked by Hank
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [Term of the Mohammedans.] Nymph of Paradise.
Checked by Elton
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. A comely female inhabiting the Mohammedan Paradise to make things cheery for the good Mussulman whose belief in her existence marks a noble discontent with his earthly spouse whom he denies a soul. By that good lady the Houris are said to be held in deficient esteem.
Editor: Lorna
Examples
- Where was the beautiful black-eyed Houri whose appearance in the first charade had caused such delight? William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- I would not exchange this one little English girl for the Grand Turk's whole seraglio, gazelle- eyes, houri forms, and all! Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- Thy wife or thy daughter, that Eastern houri that thou lockest under thy arm as thou wouldst thy treasure-casket? Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- That houri, appearing, shakes him up in the usual manner and is charged by the old gentleman to remain near him. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
Inputed by Lewis