an East Indian term from the Hindu, signifying a deputy governor. In the history of the Mogul Empire, the viceroys or governors of provinces are known as nabobs. These deputies had opportunity to oppress and to plunder. "As rich as a nabob" became a proverbial saying. By degrees the term was transferred to persons, particularly Anglo-Indian officials or traders, who acquired wealth in India and surrounded themselves with oriental luxury. "He went to India a poor clerk and came back a nabob" might be heard in London.