ˈnä]ik noun
also na·ig ]ig ; or na·igue ]ˌēg ; or na·ique ]ˌēk ; or na·yak ]yək\
( -s )
Etymology: Hindi nāyak, from Sanskrit nāyaka, literally, leader, from nayati he leads; akin to Middle Irish nē, nīa warrior, hero, Avestan nayeiti he leads, brings, Hittite nāi- to control, lead
1. : a leader, chief, or governor in India — used as a title of authority or form of address
2. : a native subordinate officer in the British India army ; specifically : corporal