adjective
South AfricanOf or relating to the traditional initiation period or ritual symbolizing passage into manhood among Xhosas.
noun
South African1Young 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.
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