sahib

[ sah-ib, -eeb ]

/ ˈsɑ ɪb, -ib /

(in India) sir; master: a term of respect used, especially during the colonial period, when addressing or referring to a European.

(initial capital letter) singular of Ashab.

Origin of sahib

1690–1700; < Urdu < Arabic ṣāḥib master, literally, friend

Ashab

[ ahs-hahb ]

/ ˈɑs hɑb /

those associating with Muhammad at any time in his life.

Compare Ansar, Muhajirun.

The sahib had scarce time to turn, when the knife passed through the fleshy part of his arm.

The Taming of the Jungle |Dr. C. W. Doyle
In any case they know the sahib can rise into the air and stay there.

The Great Airship. |F. S. Brereton
Be it remembered that the Sahib's shirts are correctly enumerated, and that there is an extra piece of soap in his washbasin.

Life's Handicap |Rudyard Kipling
"The Banjara would send in dogs if the sahib would pay him well," he suggested.

The Three Sapphires |W. A. Fraser

At a gateway in a brick wall, his guide dropped to his haunches, saying: "There is but one gate, sahib; I will wait here."

The Three Sapphires |W. A. Fraser

sahib

/ (ˈsɑːhɪb) /

(in India) a form of address or title placed after a man's name or designation, used as a mark of respect

C17: from Urdu, from Arabic çāhib, literally: friend