| 释义 |
▪ I. Umlimo
var. Mlimo.
▪ II. Umlimo, n. Now rare.
Brit. |ʊmˈliːməʊ|, U.S. |ʊmˈlimoʊ|, S. Afr. |ʊmˈliːməʊ|, |ʊmˈliːmɔ|
Forms: also with lower-case initial.
[‹ Ndebele mlimo (see Mlimo n.). Compare Modimo n., Molimo n.1, and Morimo n.]
Among the Ndebele and other peoples of eastern and southern Africa: a prophet, holy man. Cf. Mlimo n. 1.
1896F. C. Selous Sunshine & Storm Rhodesia xxvi. 236 The Umlimos or prophets..exist among all the tribes in Mashunoland [sic]. 1897J. Bryce Impressions S. Afr. x. 111 In several tribes the word, differently spelled ‘Umlimo’ or ‘Mlimo’ or ‘Molimo’, (said to mean ‘hidden’ or ‘unseen’) is used to denote..the prophet or soothsayer. 1928P. Neilson Matabele at Home ii. 38 Before the occupation by the white people of this country, it had become customary for many of the Matabele to go to the Umlimo's cave..at regular intervals, and there to make obeisance by presenting the Umlimo with cattle and beer. 1951R. Campbell Light on Dark Horse i. 24 During the Matabele War, in 1895, that tribe had listened to a sort of Delphic Oracle, who spoke out of the gorges of the Matopos. By means of ventriloquism, this so-called Umlimo obtained complete ascendancy over the tribe. |