vizir









vizir


noun

  1. (formerly) a high official in certain Muslim countries and caliphates, especially a minister of state.Compare grand vizier.

noun

  1. a high official in certain Muslim countries, esp in the former Ottoman Empire. Viziers served in various capacities, such as that of provincial governor or chief minister to the sultan
n.

1560s, from Turkish vezir “counsellor,” from Arabic wazir “viceroy,” literally “one who bears (the burden of office),” literally “porter, carrier,” from wazara “he carried.” But Klein says Arabic wazir is from Avestan viçira “arbitrator, judge.” He also says it replaced Arabic katib, literally “writer,” in the sense “secretary of state.”

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