English edit

Etymology edit

From Tswana mophato.

Noun edit

mophato (plural mephato)

  1. (Botswana, South Africa) In Tswana culture, people in the same age group considered as a "regiment".
  2. A lodge used for rituals in parts of Africa.
    • 2013, Scott Rosenberg, Richard F. Weisfelder, Historical Dictionary of Lesotho, page 187:
      During the initiation process for boys (lebollo), they leave home for three to eight months and reside at the mophato (which is constructed in a secluded spot for the purpose of housing the initiates during this process), []
    • 2010, Mutumba Mainga Bull, Bulozi under the Luyana Kings, page 72:
      Livingstone records that since Mamochisane was a woman and hence could not enter the mophato with men, Sibitwane arranged that Mpepe (his nephew) should act on behalf []