White Father

noun

: a member of the Society of African Missioners founded about 1868 by the Abbé Lavigerie

Word History

Etymology

so called from his customarily dressing in white

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of White Father was in 1889

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

Dictionary Entries Near White Father

Cite this Entry

“White Father.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/White%20Father. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!