Rishi

Origin

From Sanskrit ऋषि, of Common Indo-Iranian source (cognate with Avestan 𐬆𐬭𐬆𐬴𐬌𐬴 (ǝrǝšiš, "seer")), probably formed from verbal root to flow, pour (√ṛṣ).

Full definition of rishi

Noun

1. A Vedic poet and seer who composed Rigvedic hymns, who alone or with others invokes the deities with poetry of a sacred character.
• 2006, Karen Armstrong, The Great Transformation, Atlantic Books 2007, p. 25:The rishi asked one unfathomable question after another, until both he and his audience were reduced to the silence of unknowing.
2. (post-Vedic) A Hindu sage or saint occupying the same position in India history as the patriarchs of other countries, constituting a peculiar class of beings in the early mythical system, as distinct from Asuras, Devas and mortal men.
• 2005, Salman Rushdie, Shalimar the Clown, Vintage 2006, p. 25:In the beginning Max had no idea she was even a film actress, this girl with the skin the colour of scorched earth, the well-concealed body and the demure manner of a disciple walking in the footsteps of a great rishi.

Anagrams

• Irish
• sirih