This section is from "The American Cyclopaedia", by George Ripley And Charles A. Dana. Also available from Amazon: The New American Cyclopędia. 16 volumes complete..
Abd, an initial word in proper names common to the Semitic languages. It signifies "servant," and is usually coupled with the name of the Divinity or of a moral attribute; thus, Abd-allah, "the servant of Allah; " Abd-er-Rahman, "servant of the Merciful."
 
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