Arab \Ar"ab\ (?; 277), n. [Prob. ultimately fr. Heb. arabah a desert, the name employed, in the Old Testament, to denote the valley of the Jordan and Dead Sea. Ar. Arab, Heb. arabi, arbi, arbim: cf. F. Arabe, L. Arabs, Gr. ?.]

One of a swarthy race occupying Arabia, and numerous in Syria, Northern Africa, etc.

Street Arab, a homeless vagabond in the streets of a city, particularly and outcast boy or girl. --Tylor.

The ragged outcasts and street Arabs who are shivering in damp doorways. --Lond. Sat. Rev.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)