The Arabic term for conscription linked writing to binding and control

Evidence

There is nothing that represents this overpowering nature of the written word and its effect on things than the term qayd, which in Mehmed Ali’s Egypt was the term used to mean conscription. Originally the term meant nothing more than “drafting” or writing a name in the conscription registers. The Arabic origin of the word, however, implies in addition to writing or inscribing the act of binding or tying (e.g. binding an animal to a tree). Moreover, it also implies subjugation, manipulation and control (inqiyād). — Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed Ali, his…, 488

Categorization

• DEFINE: The term qayd carries embedded connotations of binding and subjugation far beyond merely writing names.