Anglo-Ind. Also 7 farras, frass. [Urdū from Arab. farrāsh, f. farasha to spread.] ‘A menial servant whose proper business is to spread carpets, pitch tents, etc., and do similar domestic work. In more common use in India two centuries ago than now’ (Yule).
1600. J. Pory, trans. Leo’s Africa, II. 321. Other officers called Farrasin, that is … chamberlaines.
1698. J. Fryer, A New Account of East-India and Persia, 67. Where live the Frasses, or Porters also.
1824. Hajji Baba, I. 59. I am a ferash, (a carpet spreader) said he.
1876. A. Arnold, Persia in 1876, in Contemporary Review, XXVIII. June, 31. The governor, who bears the imposing title of Itizad-ul-Dowleh (Grandeur of the State), his wife having in like manner received from her Imperial father the appellation of “Glory of the State,” kindly sent ten ferashes, or servants, to conduct us through the town and show us the sights of Koom.
