għarrex

għarrex

Maltese

Root
għ-r-x
2 terms

Etymology

From Arabic عَرَّشَ‎ (ʿarraša). The sense “to become overcast” from the use of għarix for a shade-giving tent or awning. The sense “to peer” is less straightforward. Possibly from the idea that someone on the lookout would build themself such a tent. Or perhaps in the sense of English to shadow, German beschatten (“secretly follow and observe”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈaːr.rɛʃ/
• IPA^(key): /ˈaˤːr.rɛʃ/ (archaic)

Verb

għarrex (imperfect jgħarrex, past participle mgħarrex)

1. to build a hut
2. to peer, pry, observe
3. (weather) to become overcast