Sherpa vs. Sirdar — What's the Difference?

A member of a Himalayan people living on the borders of Nepal and Tibet, renowned for their skill in mountaineering.

The rank of Sirdar – a variant of Sardar – was assigned to the British Commander-in-Chief of the British-controlled Egyptian Army in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Sirdar resided at the Sirdaria, a three-block-long property in Zamalek which was also the home of British military intelligence in Egypt.

A member of a traditionally Buddhist people of Tibetan ancestry living on the southern side of the Himalaya Mountains in Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. In modern times Sherpas have achieved renown as high-altitude porters and expert guides on Himalayan mountaineering expeditions.

A person of high rank, especially in India.

(countable) A local mountain guide or porter, particularly a male of the Nepalese Sherpa people so employed.

The rank held in the Egyptian army by the British commander-in-chief in Egypt between 1883 and 1899 during the period of British occupation of Egypt.

(countable) An expert accompanying a high-ranking leader to a summit meeting.

A high-ranking person in India and other areas of west-central Asia; a chief, a headman.

A synthetic fabric with a long, thick pile, similar to faux fur, imitation lamb wool, or fleece.

A rank assigned to the commander-in-chief of the Egyptian Army during the British occupation of Egypt.

(rare) To serve as a guide or porter for another.

The leader of a group of Sherpa mountain guides.

A member of the Himalayan people living in Nepal and Tibet who are famous for their skill as mountaineers

A native chief in Hindostan; a headman.

In Turkey, Egypt, etc., a commander in chief, esp. the one commanding the Anglo-Egyptian army.

An important person in India