Definition

Noun: 1. A large, rectangular outer garment or wrap, typically made of white cloth, worn in North Africa: A "haick" is a traditional piece of clothing, often a length of fabric draped or wrapped around the body, serving as a cloak or mantle. It is commonly associated with the dress of men and women in regions of North Africa.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The traveler purchased a fine white haick from the market to protect himself from the desert sun and wind.
  • In the painting, the woman's haick was draped elegantly over her head and shoulders.
  • The traditional haick is an essential part of the cultural attire in many North African communities.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical, anthropological, or travel-related contexts to describe traditional North African dress.
• It can be used metaphorically to evoke imagery of North African culture or desert life.
  • The novel's descriptions were vivid, filled with the scent of spices and the flutter of white haicks in the narrow streets.

Variants and Related Words

• Haik (noun): This is the more common and standard alternate spelling of the word "haick". Both forms refer to the same garment.
• Burnous (noun): A related North African cloak, often hooded, typically worn by men.
• Djellaba (noun): A long, loose-fitting hooded robe with full sleeves, worn in North Africa.

Synonyms

• Cloak
• Mantle
• Wrap
• Shawl (though a shawl is generally smaller)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most specific meaning of "haick" is the traditional white outer garment of North Africa. It is a culturally specific term rather than a general one for any cloak.

Noun

1. an outer garment consisting of a large piece of white cloth; worn by men and women in northern Africa