hijab

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Arabic حِجَاب (ḥijāb)bor. English hijab Borrowed from Arabic حِجَاب (ḥijāb, “veil”).

1. A traditional headscarf worn by Muslim women, covering the hair and neck.

   ““When I’m dressed like this, they know,” says Lufta Islam, touching her hijab and long dress. ” ‘OK, she’s a Muslim girl.’ “”

2. The practice, among Muslim women, of covering the body after the age of puberty in front of non-related (non-family) adult males.

   “The belief that Muslim females observe hijab because men force them to do so insults some Muslim females who have based their decision on their understanding of Islam.”