Person belonging to one of the nomadic peoples of the Syrian and Arabian deserts. They were fine guerrilla fighters who, as Muslims, fought against the Christian crusaders. Later, the word became a generic term for any non-Christian. It is remembered today in the names of many inns and pubs such as the Saracen's Head. [< Gr. Sarakenos] -
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.