I. ˌēthēˈōpēən noun
( -s )
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: Middle English Ethiopien, from Ethiopia + Middle English -en -an
1. also aethiopian : a member of any of the mythical or actual peoples that the ancient Greeks designated by the name Aithiopes usually described as being dark-skinned and living far to the south ; especially : a native or inhabitant of a country south of Egypt and extending east to the Red sea
2. : negro
3. : a native or inhabitant of the modern nation of Ethiopia
II. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
1. also aethiopian
a. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient Ethiopians
b. : of, relating to, or characteristic of any of the regions or countries anciently or formerly known as Aethiopia or Ethiopia
2.
a. : of, relating to, characteristic of, or being a Negro
b.
(1) : representing or purporting to represent the Negro especially of the cultural type found on plantations in the southern United States in the 19th cent. — used especially of entertainers (usually white men wearing blackface) in Negro minstrel shows and of the entertainment that they offered
Ethiopian serenaders
(2) : characteristic of, suitable for, or done in the style of the entertainment offered in Negro minstrelsy
Ethiopian dialogue
Ethiopian song
3. : of, relating to, or being the biogeographic region that includes Africa south of the Sahara, southern Arabia, and sometimes Madagascar and the adjacent islands
4.
a. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the modern nation of Ethiopia
b. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the people of the modern nation of Ethiopia
5. : of or relating to the ancient Monophysite church of Ethiopia that was founded in the 4th century A.D., is governed by an abuna appointed by the Coptic patriarch, and follows Coptic doctrine, discipline, and worship but uses Ethiopic as its liturgical language