A peculiar African race of uncertain origin, but distinct from the negro tribes, inhabiting an extensive region of Western Soudan. Their color is brown or yellowish bronze. They are Mohammedans. Called also
Fellatahs,
Foulahs, and
Fellani. Fulah and Fulani are also used adjectively;
as, Fulah or Fulani empire, tribes, language. [
1913 Webster]