omi1
/ˈəʊmi/ /ˈɒmi/Now historical
noun
In early imperial Japan: (a hereditary title for) the head of clan or family that claimed imperial ancestry, who usually also served as a high-ranking official in the Yamato court.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan. From Japanese omi clan chieftain (720 in Nihon-shoki, the Chronicles of Japan), fused compound of uncertain origin. Perhaps a contraction of ō-mi (from ō- great + -mi revered being, god (from (i)mi, nominalized stem of imu to shun)), but frequently apprehended as from ō- + mi body, person.
omi2
/ˈəʊmɪ/(also omie) North American
noun
Originally among German communities: a grandmother.
Origin
1980s. From German Omi from Om- (in Oma) + -i, hypocoristic suffix.
OMI3
noun
Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in The Catholic Encyclopaedia.