Lokmân

Lokmân, the reputed author of a certain number of Arabic fables, who gives a title to a Sura of the Koran. He is variously said to have been a Nubian slave contemporary with David, and the son of Job's sister or daughter; but others again follow M. Derenbourg (Fables de Lokmân le Sage, 1850) in identifying him with Balaam, both names signifying 'devourer.' It is now generally admitted that the fables attributed to his name are late and of Greek origin. See The Thousand Nights and a Night, Lady Burton's edition, vi. p. 260.