vizier

or vi·zir

[ vi-zeer, viz-yer ]
/ vɪˈzɪər, ˈvɪz yər /

noun

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

Origin of vizier

1555–65; < Turkish vezīr < Arabic wazīr

OTHER WORDS FROM vizier

vi·zier·ate [vi-zeer-it, -eyt, viz-yer-it, -yuh-reyt] /vɪˈzɪər ɪt, -eɪt, ˈvɪz yər ɪt, -yəˌreɪt/, vi·zier·ship, noun vi·zier·i·al, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for vizierate

British Dictionary definitions for vizierate (1 of 2)

vizierate
/ (vɪˈzɪərɪt, -eɪt) /

noun

the position, rank, or authority of a vizier
the term of office of a vizier

British Dictionary definitions for vizierate (2 of 2)

vizier
/ (vɪˈzɪə) /

noun

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

Derived forms of vizier

vizierial or vizirial, adjective viziership, noun

Word Origin for vizier

C16: from Turkish vezīr, from Arabic wazīr porter, from wazara to bear a burden