I. ]zhən sometimes ]shən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English Persien, from Middle French, adjective & noun, from Persie Persia (from Latin Persia, from Greek Persis + Latin -ia -y) + Middle French -ien -ian
1. capitalized : one of the people of Persia: as
a. : one of the ancient Iranian Caucasians who under Cyrus and his successors became the dominant Asiatic race
b. : a member of one of the peoples forming the modern Iranian nationality
2. capitalized
a. : any of several Iranian languages dominant in Persia at different periods — compare avestan , middle persian , old persian , pahlavi
b. : the modern language of Iran and western Afghanistan that is used also in Pakistan and by Indian Muslims as a literary language
3. usually capitalized : a thin soft plain or printed silk in plain weave formerly used especially for linings (as of women's clothing)
4. persians or persian blinds plural , usually capitalized P : persiennes
5. usually capitalized : a male figure replacing a column in the Persian style — usually used in plural; compare atlas 4
6. or persian leather usually capitalized P : leather from India-tanned hair sheepskins
7. usually capitalized
a. : persian cat
b. : persian lamb
c. : blackhead persian
II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle English percynne, from Middle French persien
1. : of or relating to Persia, the Persians, or their language
2. : relating to or consisting of Persian lamb
3. : constituting an order and a style of ancient art in which architectural columns are replaced by male figures in oriental costume or are adorned by such figures