negus

1 of 2

noun (1)

ne·gus ˈnē-gəs

ni-ˈgüs

: king

—used as a title of the sovereign of Ethiopia

negus

2 of 2

noun (2)

ne·gus ˈnē-gəs

: a beverage of wine, hot water, sugar, lemon juice, and spices

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Amharic nəgus, from Geez nĕgūša nagašt king of kings

Noun (2)

after Francis Negus †1732 English colonel, credited with the invention of the drink

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1594, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of negus was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Negus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/negus. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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noun (1)

noun (2)

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