SARACENS
The term "Saracens" appeared around the 4th century A.D.; it was first used by Saint Jerome. Some say it is derived from the Arabic sarax (proper sárekon, plural sorrákon), which means thief, robber etc., other writers have alternative theories of its origin. In any case, they came from Arabia and were among the first to follow the Prophet Mohammed. Later all Mohammedans with whom the Christians were at war in Spain, Africa and Asia, probably also the Turks and finally all non-Christian peoples against whom the cross was preached, were called Saracens, until gradually this word was replaced by "Turks".
Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints
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