from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Kaffir \Kaf"fir\ (k[a^]f"f[~e]r), Kafir \Ka"fir\
(k[aum]"f[~e]r), n. [Ar. k[=a]fir infidel, pagan, fr. kafara
to be skeptical in religious matters; -- a name given to
certain infidel races by the Mohammedans. Cf. {Giaour}.]
1. (Ethnol.)
(a) One of a race which, with the Hottentots and Bushmen,
inhabit South Africa. They inhabit the country north
of Cape Colony, the name being now specifically
applied to the tribes living between Cape Colony and
Natal, including the Ponda, Xosa, and Tembu; but the
Zulus of Natal are true Kaffirs.
(b) One of a race inhabiting Kafiristan in Central Asia.
[Spelt also {Caffre}.]
[1913 Webster]
2. Any Black African; -- a disparaging and offensive term
used by white South Africans. [South Africa]
Syn: kaffir, caffer, caffre.
[WordNet 1.5]
{Kaffir corn} (Bot.), a Cape Colony name for Indian millet.
[1913 Webster]