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Definition of abakwetha in English:

abakwetha

Pronunciation /abəˈkweɪtə/

adjective

South African

  • Of or relating to the traditional initiation period or ritual symbolizing passage into manhood among Xhosas.

noun

South African

  • 1Young Xhosa men who are undergoing ritual initiation into manhood at a traditional school.

    The word is plural (the Xhosa singular being umkwetha), but it is occasionally used as a singular noun by English-speakers.

  • 2Among Xhosas: the traditional initiation period or ritual symbolizing passage into manhood.

Origin

Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Missionary Magazine. From Xhosa abakhwetha, plural from aba- plural class prefix + kwetha initiate.