Definition of "Abyssinian"

Abyssinian

/ˌæb.ɪˈsɪn.ɪ.ən/

adjective
not comparable
1. (dated, usually capitalized) Of or pertaining to Ethiopia or its inhabitants; Ethiopian.
  Quotations
  Our men are frightened of these Abyssinian women.
  2019, Maaza Mengiste, The Shadow King, Canongate Books (2020), page 335
noun
plural Abyssinians
1. A short-haired domestic cat descended from cats of ancient Egypt making it one of the oldest breeds in the world; Abyssinian cat.
2. A member of the Abyssinian Church.
3. (dated) A native of Ethiopia.
  Quotations
  A group of Abyssinians are astride horses in brightly colored saddles at the top of the hill across the valley.
  2019, Maaza Mengiste, The Shadow King, Canongate Books (2020), page 308
proper noun
1. The Amharic language.