In mufti ,what does it relly mean??????????

Question

I know it means civilian dress, BUT what is it at its root. I think its an accronym.

Answer 1

i think the word has an indian root

Answer 2

Same intent as 'going native', suggesting one is less offensive to the eye if blended in with the dress of the country you're in at the time.

Answer 3

It derives from the Muslim world where muftis were a class of scholars. 19thC British officers in eastern stations took to wearing local dress while off duty, hence this became a turn of phase for civvies, and it's stuck.