Also Sudan. [Arab. sūdān, pl. of sūdā black.] The part of Africa lying between the Sahara and the Equator. Hence Soudanese sb., an inhabitant of the Soudan (also as pl.); adj., of or pertaining to the Soudan. Soudanize v. trans. (see quot. 1884).
1875. Gordon, in G. in Central Africa (1881), 77. Cowardly, lying, effeminate brutes these Arabs and Soudanese! Ibid. (1884), in Pall Mall Gaz., 5 May, 11/2. Let it be supposed that the Soudan … is tranquillized, its administration ‘Soudanized,’ native Mudirs appointed [etc.].
1887. Encycl. Brit., XXII. 277/2. The well-watered and arable Soudanese lands.
