1. Plural of kirpan; ceremonial curved daggers or swords worn by baptized Sikhs as one of the Five Ks, symbolizing courage and the duty to defend the faith and the oppressed.
Usage: Religious and cultural significance in Sikhism; Typically worn as part of religious observance

Examples

• Baptized Sikhs wear kirpans as part of their religious identity and commitment to their faith.
• The kirpans are traditionally curved and worn on a belt beneath the outer garments.
• In many countries, there have been discussions about the wearing of kirpans in schools and public institutions.
• The five kirpans displayed in the museum represented different historical periods of Sikh tradition.
• He explained that kirpans symbolize the Sikh principle of defending those in need.