dewanee

noun

de·​wa·​nee

variants or dewanny or diwani

-nē

plural dewanees or dewannies or diwanis

: the office or jurisdiction of a dewan

specifically : the right to collect the revenues of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha that was acquired by the East India Company in 1765

Word History

Etymology

Hindi dīwānī, from dīwān

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now